Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), declared that any attempts to frighten and silent organised labour would be ineffective while simultaneously asserting that he would accept the last police invitation that was given to him on September 25.
Ajaero, who was speaking to a group of workers and union officials in Lagos, thanked all the international organizations—especially those that are part of the global trade union family—for their unwavering support of the labour movement during its recent struggles. He said, “Recently, I was arrested and detained by the state, a clear attempt to intimidate and silence our movement.” They wanted evidence of wrongdoing, but we have maintained trust. Everybody has to follow suit.
“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.
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”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.”
“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.
