Members of the National Labour Congress (NLC) took to the streets yesterday in a show of solidarity with their President, Joe Ajaero, who has recently come under scrutiny by law enforcement authorities.
The peaceful march, which began at the NLC headquarters, culminated at the local police station, where Ajaero was summoned over allegations of terrorism financing and cybercrime. The controversial summons, issued earlier this week, warned Ajaero of possible arrest should he fail to appear for questioning.
In response, the NLC leadership mobilized its members nationwide, calling for a peaceful protest to demonstrate their support for Ajaero and to decry what they describe as "trumped-up charges" designed to intimidate and discredit the union’s leadership.
"The allegations against President Ajaero are baselesrrs and politically motivated," said a senior NLC official who spoke at the protest. "This is an attempt to silence the voice of the workers and undermine our struggle for justice and fair treatment."
Thousands of NLC members, carrying placards and chanting slogans, marched through the streets in what has been described as one of the largest demonstrations in recent memory. The atmosphere remained peaceful, with protestors calling for justice and transparency in the investigation of the charges against Ajaero.
As the protestors arrived at the police station, they were met by a heavy security presence. However, the protest remained orderly, with no incidents of violence reported. Ajaero, accompanied by several union leaders, entered the police station to meet with authorities as scheduled, while his supporters waited outside.
"We are here to show that we stand with our President," said one protestor. "The charges are clearly a tactic to distract from the real issues we are fighting for—workers’ rights and fair wages."
The police have yet to release a statement regarding the outcome of the meeting with Ajaero, but NLC officials have vowed to continue their protests if any further action is taken against their leader.
