The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting following the police invitation of its National President, Joe Ajaero, over allegations of financing terrorism.
The NEC meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday (today) with all affiliate heads and state chapter leaders of the NLC expected to attend. The meeting notice, titled “Notice of Emergency National Executive Council Meeting,” was issued by the NLC’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
The notice reads: “I bring you fraternal greetings from the congress headquarters. You are invited to the emergency National Executive Council Hybrid meeting scheduled as follows: Tuesday, August 20, 2024; 8 a.m., Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House.”
On Monday, *The PUNCH* reported that Ajaero had been summoned by the police on charges related to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” The police letter of invitation, dated August 19, 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, indicated that Ajaero’s name had surfaced in ongoing investigations into these serious charges.
The letter directed Ajaero to report to the IRT Complex at Abattoir, near Guzape Junction, by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20. It warned that a warrant for his arrest would be issued if he failed to comply.
This development follows a July 7 night raid by security agents on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja. The police claimed responsibility for the operation, stating it was intended to uncover incriminating documents linked to an international “subversive” figure considered a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Last week, the NLC rejected the police’s explanation for the raid and demanded the release of its arrested members and seized documents. The Congress also condemned government efforts to interfere in its internal affairs, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders.
