The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has broken his silence after honouring an invitation from the police to appear at the Force Intelligence Response Team’s (IRT) office.
Ajaero’s visit to the IRT followed allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime against him.
Speaking to reporters after his return to the Labour House in Abuja, Ajaero expressed gratitude to affiliate unions and labour leaders for their solidarity.
“I want to thank everyone. I want to thank all comrades in the states who have been praying. Those that have been fasting since morning can now break their fast,” he said jocularly.
“The labour movement is worth dying for because of the patriotism and commitment. Labour movement is one of the biggest pan-Nigerian organisations.
“Our patriotism, from the days of colonial government to even the period of the military, is unshakeable.
“We have gone there and we are back. You can’t do this job we are doing without this type of matter. It’s expected. This is the hazard of the job.
“We are out to continue the struggle. We have gotten minimum wage but we have to press for its implementation as soon as possible.
“Every other thing that will make the welfare of Nigerian workers to be worthwhile, we’d be involved in it. We’d not listen to any distraction.
“I didn’t know that I was this loved.”
Ajaero’s lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, downplayed the significance of the police invitation, stating that “there is no cause for alarm.”
Okpara revealed that the police had merely wanted to ask Ajaero questions regarding a tenant at the Labour House, and that the NLC president’s team had taken the matter in stride.
However, Okpara also used the opportunity to call for the release or prosecution of those arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, citing their prolonged detention beyond the stipulated legal limits.