Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, has criticized the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their threat to initiate a nationwide strike and disrupt the economy.
This response followed an emergency meeting held by the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC), where they discussed a police invitation extended to NLC President Joe Ajaero.
The police have requested Ajaero’s presence to address allegations related to the financing of terrorism.
The NEC resolved that Ajaero should comply with the police invitation but insisted that the union’s legal team seek an extension to allow more time before he appears before the authorities.
In the meantime, NLC Deputy President Comrade Ado Kabiru Sani has called on workers across the country to remain on standby for further directives, should the police’s actions fall short of the union’s expectations regarding Ajaero’s situation.
Ajayi, expressing his views on social media, questioned the strong reaction to Ajaero’s invitation, pointing out that such invitations do not equate to an arrest.
He further argued that the threats of a strike and economic shutdown by certain NLC affiliates are an unnecessary attempt to intimidate the government.
He wrote, “It appears we are gradually building society where some people can hide under different platforms to assume immunity.
“I am yet to see any reason why Police can not invite NLC President for questioning if there is sufficient reason to do so. Police invitation does not amount to arrest.
“All the threat of strike action and shutting down of the economy by some NLC affiliate unions is needless intimidation of the state.”
