Abuja, Nigeria – Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has described the labour movement as “worth dying for,” emphasising his unwavering commitment to workers’ rights despite facing serious allegations and police questioning. This declaration came after his recent appearance before the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja.
On Thursday, Ajaero arrived at the IRT office at about 10:15 a.m., accompanied by his legal team, including renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN; senior lawyer Maxwell Okpara; and activist Deji Adeyanju, among others. He was summoned for questioning related to allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime,” which stem from his involvement in recent #EndBadGovernance protests held from August 1 to 10, 2024.
Ajaero was questioned and provided a statement sheet to document his responses. The questioning lasted about an hour, concluding shortly after 11 a.m. Ajaero’s appearance was part of a broader investigation into the alleged activities of individuals linked to the recent protests.
Speaking to reporters after his release, Ajaero reflected on his experience and the broader implications for the labour movement in Nigeria. He expressed his deep commitment to the cause, saying, “The labour movement is worth dying for, because of patriotism and commitment. The Labour movement is one of the biggest pan-Nigerian organisations. Our patriotism from the days of colonial masters during the period of the military is unshakable.”
Ajaero’s remarks underscored the challenges faced by labour leaders and the sacrifices involved in advocating for workers’ rights. He continued, “You cannot do this kind of job without this kind of hazard; it is expected. Even at the unit level, some of us experienced this as far back as 1998. But what is important is the circumstances that took me to that place.”
Despite the serious allegations, Ajaero remained focused on the goals of the labour movement. He stressed the ongoing need to press for the implementation of the minimum wage and other workers’ welfare improvements, asserting that the movement would not be deterred by these challenges.
Maxwell Okpara, who spoke on behalf of Ajaero’s lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, suggested that some of the allegations may have been included by mistake. He said, “The inclusion of terrorism financing and treason allegations in the summon letter to Ajaero may have been a mistake.”
Okpara’s comments reflect concerns about the accuracy and seriousness of the charges against Ajaero, given the context of the protests and the nature of the allegations.
The recent #EndBadGovernance protests, which were held across Nigeria, sought to address issues of governance and demand reforms. The protests were marked by large-scale demonstrations and calls for accountability from government officials. The involvement of prominent figures like Ajaero in these protests has brought scrutiny from law enforcement, leading to the current allegations.
The NLC, under Ajaero’s leadership, has been a key player in pushing for workers’ rights and social justice in Nigeria. The recent controversies and investigations have put a spotlight on the labour movement’s role in shaping the country’s political and economic landscape.
The reaction to Ajaero’s situation has been mixed. Supporters of the labour movement view the allegations as a potential attempt to undermine the fight for workers’ rights. Many have rallied around Ajaero, expressing solidarity and support for his leadership and the broader goals of the NLC.
Critics, however, argue that the seriousness of the allegations warrants a thorough investigation. They believe that addressing these charges transparently is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that the movement’s activities are aligned with legal and ethical standards.
