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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has weighed in on the police invitation of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.
Obi stressed the need for caution and adherence to due process, considering Ajaero’s critical role as a leader of the country’s workforce.
In a statement via his social media account on X, the former Anambra governor noted that the seriousness of the alleged infractions but added that it is important to clarify whether they are personal to Ajaero or responsibilities as NLC leader.
“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 organisation that should inform the authorities of their approach and modalities,” Obi said.
“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 the 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.”
Ajaero, the Labour leader, had been invited by the police for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime, and other related offences but he could not honour the invitation and sought a new date on August 29, 2024.
