The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a peaceful march to protest the alleged intimidation and harassment of its leadership by the government. The march is in response to the police summons of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to appear at the Force headquarters on August 20, 2024, over unfounded allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.

The NLC has condemned the government’s actions as a “travesty” and a “blatant attempt to stifle the voice of the working people and their leadership.” The Congress has resolved to honour the police invitation but has demanded an extension of time to consult its lawyers and has requested full details of the allegations against its President.

The NLC has warned the government to desist from its “evil intentions” and stop the ongoing witch-hunt against its leaders. The Congress has directed its affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members across the nation and has threatened to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement.

If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader, the NLC has directed its affiliates and state councils to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action. The Congress has called on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the NLC in this critical moment and has urged all Nigerians to rise in defence of shared democratic values.

The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the Nigerian people and has vowed not to be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence it.