Nigeria's labour movement is locked in a bitter standoff with authorities after the nation's top trade unionist was summoned for questioning.
Joe Ajaero, the influential head of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has been ordered to appear before police investigators on Tuesday over allegations of serious criminal activity. The summons, issued by the Intelligence Response Team, accuses Mr Ajaero of involvement in terrorism financing, treason, and cybercrime. Failure to comply could result in his arrest.
Part of the letter read; “This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime in which you have been implicated.
“You are therefore required to report to the undersigned for an interview on Tuesday, 20th August 2024, at 10:00 hrs prompt, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja, through the Team Leader on telephone no 08035179870, in connection with the above investigation.
“Be informed that if you fail to honour this letter, this office will have no choice but to issue a warrant for your arrest.”
The move comes hot on the heels of a controversial raid on the NLC headquarters by security forces. Labour leaders have vehemently denied the police's claim that the operation targeted an international terrorist and have demanded an apology, the return of seized property, and the release of detained staff.
The NLC has accused the government of a concerted campaign to stifle dissent and undermine the rights of workers. The union has vowed to resist attempts to curtail its activities, including a proposed reduction in the term limits for trade union officials.
As tensions escalate between labour and the state, observers fear the potential for widespread industrial unrest.