NUPENG puts oil workers on red alert as Police invite Ajaero
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has alerted all its members nationwide and prepared them for potential industrial action in response to any potential arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero by the police.
It is worth noting that the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, arm of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, requested Ajaero’s presence for questioning on Monday, August 19. The allegations against him include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
A letter was sent by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, IRT, requesting Ajaero’s presence at the IRT office, Force Headquarters, on 20 August. Consequences were mentioned if he failed to comply with the request.
The NLC had, via its lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, to provide an explanation for the NLC President’s inability to attend the scheduled meeting on August 20.
Nevertheless, Falana expressed confidence that Ajaero would comply with the police invitation on August 29. He also requested that the police provide him with specific details and the nature of the allegations.
Nevertheless, NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, has issued a circular to all branches and members, urging oil workers across the country to be prepared for potential situations and await further instructions from the leadership.
The circular included the following passage: “The leadership of our esteemed union is deeply concerned about the encroachment upon the national”
The recent allegations made against Comrades Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, by the Nigeria Police Force, and the Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress by some security agencies, are both thought-provoking and worrisome.
As a dedicated and passionate affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we feel compelled to voice our concerns about these troubling developments and circumstances.
“In light of the current situation and the decision made by the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we kindly request all our members to patiently await additional instructions regarding the necessary steps to be taken.” We are closely following the ongoing situation involving the invitation of the NLC President by the Nigeria Police Force.
Our unity remains unwavering, as our collective strength empowers us. The challenges persist. And we will prevail.