Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has spoken out regarding the ongoing dispute surrounding the police invitation of Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The police summoned Ajaero for questioning over accusations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime, and related charges.
Obi took to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to address the situation. He expressed concern over how the police have handled the matter, urging caution and respect for the rule of law in dealing with the case.
According to Obi, the NLC president holds a critical position, both as the leader of the nation’s workforce and as a representative in labor negotiations with the Federal Government. As such, Obi believes the issue must be approached with care to prevent any potential escalation.
His words: “The anxiety generated by Nigeria Police’s invitation to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Joe Ajero for an interview should not be unexpected given the critical position he holds as leader of the nation’s workforce.
“The NLC is an interlocutor of the Federal Government on various labour disputes and other national interest issues. On that basis alone, without prejudice to due process, Mr Ajaero represents an umbrella organization that should inform the authorities of their approach and modalities. The alleged infractions listed on the letter of invitation circulating on Social Media, are weighty and there is no clarity on the circumstances and if the authorities are attributing these to personal conduct or responsibilities devolving on Mr Ajaejo as the undisputed leader of NLC. Extreme caution must thus be exercised in the manner in which this issue is handled. It is not unexpected that government will boot try autocratic methods to vow labour as a potential opposition force.
“Invitations like the one to Ajaero are expected. But the rule of law and the laws of evidence should be observed. Labour should stick to its strengths and powers in order to maintain democratic order and sanity.”
