The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide peaceful prayer procession on August 29, 2024, to show solidarity with President Joe Ajaero, who has been summoned by the police on serious allegations. The NLC emphasizes maintaining peace during the procession and warns of a potential strike if Ajaero is detained.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on its members across the country to participate in a peaceful prayer procession scheduled for August 29. This decision was announced by Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary of the NLC, in a letter sent to all affiliates and state councils on Wednesday in Abuja.
The initiative follows an invitation extended by the police to Joe Ajaero, the NLC president, for questioning regarding allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” Ugboaja expressed that the prayer procession is a response to these allegations, which they consider unfounded.
In his statement, Ugboaja urged all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilize their members in solidarity. Central Working Committee members based in Abuja are expected to gather at the NLC National Headquarters by 8:00 am on August 29 to accompany Ajaero to the police station.
Members in state capitals are also encouraged to assemble at their respective state secretariats before marching to their State Police Headquarters for a prayer session, which will continue until the police interaction concludes.
This procession is viewed as a collective stand against actions perceived as attempts to intimidate labor leadership and suppress workers' voices. Ugboaja called for peaceful conduct throughout the procession and warned that if Ajaero is detained, workers nationwide will initiate an indefinite strike.
