NLC Calls for Nationwide Prayer March to Over Ajaero Invitation by Police

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide peaceful prayer procession scheduled for August 29, 2024.

This action is in response to the police summoning of NLC President Joe Ajaero on charges that the union describes as fabricated. Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary of the NLC, revealed this in a letter addressed to all affiliates and state councils.

The letter, titled “Mobilisation for Peaceful Procession and Prayer Session in Solidarity,” calls for a united front against what the NLC perceives as intimidation tactics aimed at its leadership.

"The procession is in response to the recent invitation by the Police to Ajaero, to appear for interrogation on trumped-up charges in August," Ugboaja stated. He further elaborated that the charges include alleged “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”

Ugboaja urged all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members for the event. "We call on all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilise their members in Abuja and across the states to show solidarity," he said.

The plan includes assembling at the National Headquarters of the NLC by 8:00 am on August 29 to accompany Ajaero to the police for the scheduled interaction. For those in state capitals, Ugboaja advised gathering at their respective state secretariats of Congress and marching peacefully to their State Police Headquarters.

There, they will hold a prayer session until Ajaero's interaction with the police concludes. "This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers," Ugboaja emphasized.

He also warned that if Ajaero is detained, all workers nationwide would proceed on an indefinite strike. "Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.

Together, we shall overcome these challenges and continue to uphold justice, fairness, and democracy in our dear nation," he added.