The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has announced that it will initiate an indefinite nationwide strike if the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, is arrested. This decision comes amid rising tensions between the NLC and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
The drama began on Monday, August 19, when the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police invited Joe Ajaero for questioning. The police accused Ajaero of involvement in serious crimes, including terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
Ajaero was instructed to report to the IRT office on August 20, with a warning of arrest if he failed to comply.
This invitation sparked immediate concern and backlash from the NLC and its affiliates, leading to emergency meetings and strong reactions from various labor groups.
The NUT, a major labor union representing teachers across Nigeria, responded swiftly to the situation. In a circular sent to its state branches, the union’s President, Audu Amba, and Acting Secretary-General, Abdullahi Mohammed, directed teachers nationwide to prepare for a strike.
The union’s circular emphasised that the police invitation to Ajaero was perceived as politically motivated harassment aimed at stifling the voice of the labor movement.
The NUT’s statement read: “The Congress considers the act of harassment and intimidation as an attempt by the Police to stifle the voice of the working people as represented by the Leadership of the Congress.
“Consequently, the NEC of the NLC met and resolved to, among other things, direct all affiliates and State Councils to immediately commence the process of mobilizing their members across the nation.”
The NUT’s circular further stated, “If anything happens to the President or any other leader of the Congress, the NUT hereby directs all State Wings of the Union to mobilize all teachers and be prepared to proceed on an indefinite nationwide strike action by 12 midnight today.”
The NLC has also taken a firm stance against the police’s actions. Following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the NLC announced that if Ajaero were arrested, it would direct all its affiliates and members to shut down the economy.
In a briefing, NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani said, “We will honour the invitation of the Nigerian police, but we need an extension of time after consulting with our lawyers. This does not legitimize the charges against the Congress leadership.
“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.”
Sani urged workers to remain calm and await further instructions from the NLC leadership. The union’s strong response indicates the seriousness with which it views the police’s actions and its readiness to mobilize workers nationwide if necessary.
The police’s investigation and the subsequent invitation to Ajaero have raised concerns about possible political motivations. The NLC and its affiliates argue that the charges are unfounded and aimed at undermining the labor movement.
The potential strike by the NUT could have widespread implications for Nigeria’s education sector.