Attempts to silence us ‘ll fail — NLC President Ajaero

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has declared that attempts to intimidate or silence organized labour will not succeed.

Ajaero made this statement while addressing recent actions by security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), who have increased their focus on him.

The labour leader also confirmed his intention to honour the latest police invitation extended to him on Wednesday, September 25, amidst heightened tensions between labour unions and the government.

Ajaero’s strong stance underscores the ongoing struggle between organized labour and government authorities, as the NLC continues to advocate for workers’ rights in the face of what he describes as intimidation tactics.

However, speaking to some workers and union officials in Lagos, Ajaero said: “Recently, I was arrested and detained by the state, a clear attempt to intimidate and silence our movement. They hoped to find wrong doing but we have kept faith alive. We must all do the same.

“On August 29, we honoured the summons of the state to answer to some allegations and on the 25th of this month, we shall honour another one, this time at the police headquarters in Abuja.

“Let me say the strength of our movement lies not only in our resolve but also in the integrity with which we conduct ourselves.

”Our hands, must remain unsullied, our hearts pure, so that when the enemies of our movement come, as they will;, they will find nothing to use against us. Comrades, you have seen it firsthand.

“As we, therefore, prepare for the struggles ahead, remember they can imprison our bodies, but they cannot imprison our spirit.

”They can throw every obstacle on our path, but they cannot destroy our unity. We must be vigilant, united and ready to stand firm in the face of whatever may come.”

He expressed NLC’s gratitude to all the international organizations, particularly those within the global trade union family, who stood in unwavering solidarity with the labout movement during its recent challenges.

“We are especially thankful to the International Labour Organization, ILO, the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, ITUC-Africa, Public Services International, PSI, Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of the UK, IndustriALL Global Union, the German Federation of Trade Unions, LO Norway, and all the patriotic Nigerians.

“Your collective voices condemned the actions of the government against the NLC and its“leadership, and for this, we remain profoundly grateful,” Ajaero said.