TUE AUG 20 2024-theGBJournal| The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)has warned that it will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the Labour Movement.
The warning follows the invitation of the President of the Congress, Joe Ajaero, by the Nigeria Police Force.
The invitation is premised, according to the NLC, on a clearly unfounded and politically motivated investigation into alleged terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
This statement, signed by Ado Sani Minjibir,, NLC Deputy President, is contained in a communique issued after the NEC meeting of the Congress held today.
Earlier the Nigeria Police issued an invitation to the NLC President Ajaero, which the NLC say they will honour as ”as responsible labour centre committed to the rule of law and due process.”
The NLC however, added that it will demand for an extension of time given the nature of the invitation.
”However, we wish to state unequivocally that this does not in anyway legitimize the baseless allegations levelled against him, the NLC adds.
While condemning what it describes as ”the continued harassment of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and other labour leaders, the NLC NEC leadership said they view the invitation as a calculated attempt to weaken and destabilize the labour movement, which has always stood as a bastion of democratic principles and the voice of the Nigerian masses.
The NEC warned the state to desist from ”its evil intentions and stop the ongoing witch-hunt against the leaders of the Congress forthwith.”
The NEC adds that it will not sit idly by while the rights and freedom of its members and leaders are trampled upon with impunity by the state.
Meanwhile, the NEC has all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilizing their members across the nation, and asked all affiliates and state councils to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12.00 Midnight today.
It equally called on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress ”in this critical moment.”
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
