The tenure of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has been marked by increasing controversy.
Reports from Abuja suggest that his leadership has taken a dramatic turn as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday.
This correspondent gathered that Ajaero, who was on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment, was taken into custody just before boarding his flight.
As at the time of filing this report, official details about his arrest remain sparse.
But sources familiar with the development confirm that the NLC president has been transferred to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for questioning.
Joe Ajaero History Under Scrutiny
Ajaero has been a polarizing figure in Nigerian labour circles, with his administration attracting scrutiny for both his leadership style and financial management within the NLC.
His aggressively defiant stance on labour issues, including leading nationwide strikes against the government’s fuel price hikes, has earned him both supporters and detractors.
However, growing concerns over the transparency of NLC funds and his handling of union resources have raised suspicion among stakeholders.
Beyond Ajaero’s government confrontation
Critics suggest that his confrontational approach may have masked deeper issues within the union’s management.
Meanwhile, allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime have only added to these suspicions.
These charges surfaced earlier in August when Ajaero was summoned by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force.
Though, he initially missed the deadline for the summons, Ajaero, accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), eventually appeared on August 29 to address the allegations.
However, the pressure did not ease as the Police issued another summon on August 30, calling for both Ajaero and NLC General Secretary; Emma Ugboaja, to appear again on September 5, 2024.
Leadership in Question
This series of legal entanglements has fueled speculation about the true nature of Ajaero’s leadership.
His handling of labour issues and his defiant stance against government policies may have drawn attention to possible irregularities within the union.
Insiders suggest that his high-profile protests and strikes could have concealed underlying problems, potentially linked to the allegations now facing him.
As investigations into his activities deepen, Ajaero’s arrest could mark a pivotal moment for the NLC as his leadership has been under pressure not only from the government but also from within the union, with questions swirling about his governance style and financial transparency.
Should Nigerians be Worried?
The implications of his arrest are significant, especially as the NLC remains a key player in negotiations with the federal government over economic policies affecting millions of Nigerians.
