The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding the police invitation of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero.
In a statement via his social media account on X, Obi expressed concerns about the manner in which the police handled the invitation, stressing the need for caution and adherence to due process.
Obi acknowledged the critical role of the NLC president as a leader of the nation’s workforce and an interlocutor with the Federal Government on labour disputes and national interest issues. He noted that the alleged infractions listed in the invitation letter were weighty, but stressed the importance of clarity on the circumstances and whether the authorities were attributing these to Ajaero’s personal conduct or responsibilities as NLC leader.
The former Anambra State Governor warned against the use of autocratic methods to cow labour as a potential opposition force, emphasizing the need for the rule of law and laws of evidence to be observed. He advised labour to stick to its strengths and powers to maintain democratic order and sanity.
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.”
The police had invited Ajaero for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime, and other related offences.
However, Ajaero’s lawyer, Femi Falana, responded in a letter to the force that his client was unavailable and would honour the invitation on August 29, 2024.