The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong objections to the police’s summoning of its president, Joe Ajaero, in connection with alleged terrorism funding.
In response, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah criticised the police for not showing proper respect by omitting Ajaero’s official title in the invitation.
News About Nigeria reported that the police summoned Joe Ajaero for interrogation in connection with a complex case involving serious allegations.
A formal notice, issued by Assistant Commissioner of Police Adamu Muazu, requested Ajaero’s presence at the Intelligence Response Team’s Abuja headquarters on Tuesday, warning of a warrant for his arrest if he fails to comply.
The investigation appears to be linked to the recent police search of the NLC’s Abuja headquarters, which occurred on August 7 in the Central Business District.
Further details suggest that the case revolves around a range of severe charges, including conspiracy, terrorism financing, and cybercrime.
Speaking after the police invitation, Upah said, “A personal message sent to Comrade Joe Ajaero by SP Moshood said, ‘We were at the Labour House to submit this (letter of invitation) but the place was locked, sir’.
“We find this curious because staff were in the office beyond 6 pm. We also note that Comrade Joe Ajaero was not addressed by his official title of President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Preceding the raid, the Congress had advised the government to have a dialogue with the organisers of the (hunger) protest, even though the Congress had clearly stated it was not part of the protest.
“The Congress criticised the police for the high casualty rate during the protest. The Congress, in its NEC communiqué after the raid, expressed outrage at the behaviour of the police and demanded an apology from both the police and the government.
“At its world press conference last Thursday, the Congress raised the alarm that should anything happen to the leadership of the Congress or any of its members, the police should be held accountable.
“The question on the lips of those in the know is: Who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation?”
