September 01, (THEWILL) – Talk about a tactical bluster and you would understand how the police and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, resolved the impasse that followed the latter’s summons to the former two weeks ago.
THEWIIL recalls that the police stormed the Pascal Bafyau Labour House in the Central Business District, Abuja, which the NLC claimed was targeted at its president, Joe Ajaero, because of his committed leadership to the struggles for the welfare of workers.
Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, later issued a statement admitting that the invaders who wore hoods were from the Police. He also claimed that they were after some unnamed “foreign nationals” in connection with some criminal activities.
Coming after the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests across the country, the raid looked suspicious when the police later went on to extend an invitation to Ajaero for questioning.
According to Adejobi, the police found some incriminating evidence with the unnamed ‘foreign national,’ whom he described as a tenant at the Labour House, who the police went after but the labour leaders interpreted as a raid for Ajaero. The police said it had uncovered seditious materials in connection with the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
After the back and forth accusation by labour leaders and clarification by the police, the labour leaders agreed to fix a date for Ajaero’s meeting with the police and then they mobilised the affiliate members to kick-start a nationwide strike, should Ajaero spend one day in detention.
On Wednesday, NLC in a notice by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, directed workers to embark on a nationwide solidarity with Ajaero to the Force Headquarters.
However, Falana, who told the workers to stay behind at Labour House to avoid a rowdy session, gave the assurance that the situation would be handled well with the lawyers from his chambers, among others, in the entourage.
Ajaero has restated his commitment to fight for the welfare of Nigerian workers. He has also declared that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will not be intimidated or deterred by attempts to undermine its efforts.
Thursday’s statement by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, is an eye-opener. According to the National Secretary of the union, Achike Chude the NUJ, had been “watching with trepidation, great angst and baited breath, the unfathomable macabre dance” exhibited by the police against the leadership of Nigerian workers, most notably, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The statement continued, “While the union is ever willing to cooperate with the authorities whenever demanded by national imperatives and exigencies, the Police included, it must never be at the expense of our Union, our people and our country.
“Let it be very clear to all, that the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, is in full solidarity with the national President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, its entire leadership structures and affiliates nationwide at all times, especially at these trying moments, he said, adding that
“We urge the Police and security forces to exercise maximum restraint in their engagements and interactions with Nigerians, who hold views that are different from those of the status quo; free speech and the right to hold opinion are fundamental to our liberty as a free people.
“We are this wise, putting all our Councils and members across the federation on notice, over the unfortunate attacks on the labour leadership.
“The NUJ FCT Council is by this wise, especially enjoined and directed to fully mobilise in concert with other affiliates of the NLC to accompany the NLC President as he goes to honour the invitation of the Police by 8a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, August 29, 2024.”
Against this backdrop of threat, Comrade Ajaero, on Thursday, honoured police invitation over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.
Ajaero was led to the Force Headquarters by his lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) and others, including Maxwell Opara and Deji Adeyanju.
This is coming 11 days after the labour leader was invited by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) arm of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
THEWILL recalls that Falana SAN had, in a letter on August 20, explained why Ajaero could not honour the Police invitation until August 29. He kept his word. He honoured police invitations over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony and cybercrime.
Accompanied by his lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and others, Ajaero arrived at the IRT office at about 10:20 am, leaving after almost an hour at about 11:15 a.m.
Ajaero spoke shortly after he left the police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists at the National Headquarters of the NLC in Abuja, Ajaero said the NLC remained committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers.
Declaring the allegations against him as unfounded and targeted to weaken the NLC, Ajaero said his decision to honour police invitation was in the interest of transparency.
Assuring that the union would remain united and focused on its mission, the Labour leader, declared: “We can’t be intimidated. The allegations against us are baseless, and we have nothing to hide.
“Our resolve is stronger than ever. We will continue to champion the cause of workers across the nation, no matter the obstacles.
“You can’t do this job we’re doing without this type of hazard. Even at the unit level, some of us experienced it, as far back as 1997/1998 with Femi Falana, we were equally together in the cell during the time of Abacha… but whatever the case is, we’re out to continue the struggle. We’ve gotten minimum wage, but we can’t be intimidated. We have to press for the implementation of the new minimum wage as soon as possible. Every other thing that will make the welfare of the Nigerian workers worthwhile, we will be involved in it.”
Giving details of the meeting, Ajaero said the questioning focused on the operator of the Iva Valley Bookshop located on the second floor of the Labour House. Ajaero said he told the police that the suspect was merely a tenant of the NLC and that their relationship was strictly that of a landlord and tenant, with no communication or consultation
No sooner had the NLC helmsman arrived at his home than another letter of invitation came from the police. This time he was asked to come along with the General Secretary of the NLC, Emma Ugboaja for another round of interrogation. They are to appear at Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024.
The latest invitation by the Police Force Intelligence Department (FID) accused Ajaero and Ugboaja of alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace and malicious damage to properties.
Signed by the Commissioner of Police (OPS), Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, Office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, the invitation letter dated August 28, 2024, reads: “In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.
“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja for an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September, 2024 at 11am.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr Usman on GSM number 08039659139.
“Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please.”
Earlier on Thursday, Ajaero honoured police invitation over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony and cybercrime.
