The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed its affiliates and workers nationwide to shut down the economy immediately if the Nigerian Police arrest its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The police had invited Ajaero for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing, among other charges.
In response, the NLC held an emergency National Executive Council meeting, where they decided to request an extension from the police to consult with their lawyers.
NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani briefed workers gathered at Labour House, saying: “At the end of the meeting, we reached certain resolutions. Part of the resolutions is that, as a committed labour center that we agreed or that we abide by the rule of law and due process. We will honor the invitation of the Nigerian police, because we are not a faceless organization, but we believe that we need an extension of time, after consultation with our lawyers…”
Sani explained that the invitation was essentially an invitation to all workers, and that the NLC would not legitimize the charges against their leadership.
He stated: “Secondly, we resolve that in the event our Congress President is arrested or detained at any moment, we will put our affiliates on red alert to mobilize our members across the country, so that all workers in this country should down tools… Whatever happens, we will communicate with your leadership, and your leadership will communicate with you. So we urge you to remain calm and return peacefully to your workplaces and await further directives.”