Uncertainty As NLC Leaders Hold Emergency Meeting After Their President Was Invited Over Terrorism

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting following the police’s summons of its National President, Joe Ajaero, on allegations of financing terrorism.

The NEC meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday (today), with all affiliate heads and state chapter leaders expected to attend. The meeting notice, titled “Notice of Emergency National Executive Council Meeting,” was signed by NLC Secretary General Emmanuel Ugboaja.

Ajaero was invited by the police on charges related to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” The invitation letter, dated August 19, 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, mentioned that Ajaero’s name had come up in ongoing investigations. The letter instructed Ajaero to report to the IRT Complex at Guzape Junction by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, warning that a warrant of arrest would be issued if he failed to appear.

On July 7, security agents conducted a nighttime raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja. The police later claimed the operation aimed to uncover incriminating documents related to an international “subversive” figure considered a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Last week, the NLC rejected the police’s explanation for the raid, demanding the release of its arrested members and the return of seized documents. The NLC also criticized government efforts to interfere in its internal affairs, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders.