Tension rises as NLC President Ajaero responds to police summons

Tension is mounting in Abuja and other states as Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero responds to a police summons today, Thursday. This follows the NLC’s announcement of plans for a nationwide solidarity action after the Nigeria Police Force summoned Ajaero over alleged terrorism financing.

In a circular issued by NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union directed its affiliates and state councils to mobilize members across the country.

The notice reads: “In response to the police summons for our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on trumped-up charges, we urge all affiliates and state councils to mobilize members in Abuja and nationwide to show solidarity.”

The statement added that members in Abuja are expected to gather at the NLC National Headquarters by 8 a.m. to accompany Ajaero to the police station.

Ajaero was initially summoned for questioning on August 20, 2024, over alleged involvement in terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, and treasonable felony. However, his lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), requested the meeting be rescheduled to August 29, citing Ajaero’s unavailability on the initial date.

The summons follows a police raid on a section of the NLC headquarters in Abuja, which authorities claimed was part of efforts to uncover seditious materials linked to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.