The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has threatened to take action if the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, is arrested and detained, News About Nigeria reports.
NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, disclosed this in a circular to all its branches and members.
In the circular, Olawale directed oil workers nationwide to be ready for action in case of any eventuality and wait further directives from the leadership.
He stated that the union will remain united as it observes the unfolding situation concerning the invitation of the president of the NLC by the Nigeria Police Force.
“The leadership of our great Union finds the invasion of the National
“Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress by some Security agencies and the recent allegations levelled against Comrades Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress by the Nigeria Police Force very intriguing and deeply concerning.
“And as a very committed and strong affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we cannot but express our strongest reservations over these unwholesome developments and situations.
“In the light of these and consequent upon the resolution of the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we earnestly write to put all our members on notice to await further directive on appropriate lines of actions as we keenly observe and noting the unfolding situation concerning the Invitation of the President of the NLC by the Nigeria Police Force.
“Our solidarity remains constant for the Union, which makes us strong. The struggles continue. And we shall overcome,” the circular reads in part.
Recall that on Monday, August 19, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) invited Ajaero for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
The deputy commissioner of police, IRT, said in a letter, that Ajaero should appear at the IRT office, Force Headquarters, on August 20, warning that he would be arrested if he failed to honour the invitation.
The NLC, through its lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), wrote to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, explaining why the NLC President could not honour the August 20, date.
He assured the police that Ajaero would honour the police invitation on August 29 and requested that the police furnish him with details and the nature of the allegations.
