Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benjamin Anthony, has stated that recent allegations of terrorism financing, Treasonable Felony among others levelled by the Police against NLC President Joe Ajaero are attempts to silence the organisation and suppress its advocacy for the Nigerian people.
During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Anthony said, “This is an attempt to silence the NLC. The government cannot tame the strongest tongue that is speaking for the masses.”
Anthony revealed that the police had issued a WhatsApp message inviting Ajaero for questioning over serious offences including treasonable felony, cybercrime, and terrorism.
He criticised the method of communication and the gravity of the allegations, stating, “The police sent a message through WhatsApp yesterday because a letter was not delivered to the office of the NLC, inviting the president for offences which are so criminal.”
Describing the charges as baseless, Anthony defended Ajaero’s character and longstanding commitment to the Nigerian workforce.
He asserted, “In the NLC, we work together and we know ourselves. Personally, I have known the president for more than 25 years and I have never traced any criminal act to him. The police have to provide evidence of him financing terrorism in Nigeria.”
Highlighting the role of the NLC as a voice for the people, Anthony expressed concern over the government’s perceived attempt to undermine the organisation’s influence.
He said, “The NLC is a people’s organisation, the voice of the people. Terrorism has been going on in this country for a very long time, and up to today, the federal government has not found those responsible. Now, an agent of the government is turning against us and saying we are terrorists. I don’t think so.”
In response to the police invitation, the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) convened and resolved that Ajaero would honour the summons on August 29th. Anthony explained, “Our lawyers told them that he cannot go today but he will go on the 29th of August. We promise that our president will be there to listen and see the evidence.”
Anthony also addressed a recent incident where the police allegedly invaded and broke into the NLC compound without a warrant.
He called for an apology from the authorities, stating, “The police confessed that they are the ones that invaded the compound and broke into the office. We need an apology from them. Instead of apologising, they are bringing another allegation which seems to us as a cover-up over the mess they have done.”
Expressing frustration over the government’s actions, Anthony emphasised the importance of the NLC’s role in advocating for the welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens.
He concluded, “NLC is the only strong voice in Nigeria as of today, and the government wants to tame that voice, but it can’t work. People have known us for years struggling for the freedom and welfare of workers and the people of Nigeria.”
Nneoma Udensi
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