Politician and former candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential elections, Peter Obi has called on the Nigeria Police Force to exercise some restraint in the way and manner with which it would handle the ongoing case against the leader of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.
His call for caution comes following the NPF’s terrorism funding allegation against Ajaero, and his subsequent invitation to the force headquarters in Abuja.
Following Ajaero’s invitation, the union has since threatened a nationwide strike should the police detain Ajaero.
Reacting to the controversy on Thursday, Obi said the allegations against the labour leader by NPF were weighty and not clear, and should be treated with caution.
He said, “The NLC is an interlocutor of the Federal Government on various labour disputes and other national interest issues. On that basis alone, without prejudice to due process, Mr Ajaero represents an umbrella organization 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 government will boot 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. Labour should stick to its strengths and powers in order to maintain democratic order and sanity.”
