By Hope James
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has threatened to take action if the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, is arrested and detained, Edum News reports.
NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, disclosed this in a circular to all its branches and members.
Olawale in the circular, directed oil workers nationwide to ready to be ready for action in a case of any eventuality and wait further directives from the leadership.
He stated that the Union will remain united as it observes the unfolding situation concerning the Invitation of the President of the NLC by the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement reads in part, “The leadership of our great Union finds the invasion of the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress by some Security agencies and the recent allegations levelled against Comrades Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress by the Nigeria Police Force very intriguing and deeply concerning.
“And as a very committed and strong affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we cannot but express our strongest reservations over these unwholesome developments and situations.
“In the light of these and consequent upon the resolution of the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we earnestly write to put all our members on notice to await further directive on appropriate lines of actions as we keenly observe and noting the unfolding situation concerning the Invitation of the President of the NLC by the Nigeria Police Force.
“Our Solidarity remains Constant for the Union makes us Strong. The Struggles continue. And we shall overcome”.
Recall that the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, had Monday, August 19, invited Ajaero, for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, IRT, in a letter, said Ajaero should appear at the IRT office, Force Headquarters, on August 20, warning that he would be arrested if he failed to honour the invitation.
The NLC through its lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, however, wrote to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, explaining why the NLC President could not honour the August 20, date.
He assured the Police that Ajaero will honour the Police invitation on August 29 and requested that the Police furnish him with details and nature of the allegations.
