Ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has called for caution on the invitation extended to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, by the police on allegation of terrorism financing, criminal conspiracy, treasonable felony, among other crimes.
The police in a letter seen by NewsNGR dated 19, August, 2024 and signed by Adamu S. Muazu, deputy commissioner of Police Intelligence Response Team, Abuja, invited Ajaero to appear before Muazu’s team on Tuesday for questioning.
The police said, “this office is investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism, financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime in which you were mentioned.”
However, Ajaero, in a letter dated 20th August, 2024 and signed by Barr. Samuel Ogala of the Falana and Falana Chambers, said he is unable to appear before the police citing an engagement already slated for Tuesday, having received the invitation just on Monday.
He said he “is prepared for your interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.”
The police have not said anything on the invitation that has divided opinion. The NLC and its affiliate unions have vowed to shut down the country if Ajaero was arrested and detained.
Obi said the “anxiety generated” by the Police’s invitation “should not be unexpected given the critical position he holds as leader of the nation’s workforce.”
He described the NLC as an “interlocutor of the Federal Government on various labour disputes and other national interest issues.”
He said “on that basis alone, without prejudice to due process, Mr Ajaero represents an umbrella organisation that should inform the authorities of their approach and modalities.
“The alleged infractions listed on the letter of invitation circulating on Social Media, are weighty and there is no clarity on the circumstances and if the authorities are attributing these to personal conduct or responsibilities devolving on Mr Ajaejo as the undisputed leader of NLC.
“Extreme caution must thus be exercised in the manner in which this issue is handled. It is not unexpected that the government will try autocratic methods to vow labour as a potential opposition force.
“Invitations like the one to Ajaero are expected. But the rule of law and the laws of evidence should be observed,” Obi said.
He advised Labour to “stick to its strengths and powers in order to maintain democratic order and sanity.”