The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued directives to Nigerian workers in response to the police invitation of its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, over allegations of terrorism financing.

In an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Labour House, the NLC resolved to take drastic action if Ajaero is arrested or detained.

Addressing workers who had gathered in solidarity with Ajaero, NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani revealed the resolutions reached by the NEC.

“We will honour the police invitation because we are not a faceless organization, but we need an extension of time to consult with our lawyers,” he stated.

Sani said that the invitation to Ajaero was an invitation to all workers and that the NLC would not legitimize the charges against its leadership.

He declared, “If our Congress President is arrested or detained, we will put our affiliates on red alert to mobilize our membership across the country. All workers should down tools and stop providing services.”

The NLC has directed its members and all workers to shut down the economy immediately if Ajaero is arrested.

Sani said the resolution was reached after careful consideration and consultation with lawyers.

He said, “So we are already working with our lawyers to look for extension of time, but this does not legitimize the charges by the Nigerian police to the Congress leadership, and secondly, we resolve that in an event our Congress President was arrested or detained at any moment, we put our affiliate on red alert to mobilize our membership across the country, that all workers in this country should down tool their services.

“This is the resolution because Comrades, this organization belongs to all of us, therefore we should do everything possible to safeguard the safety of this organization. We therefore, thank you very much, and you shoulwait for further directives by our leadership.

“Whatever happens, we will communicate your leadership, and your leadership will communicate you. So we urge you to remain calm and go back peacefully to our working place and await further directives.”