Ajaero: FG Trying to Muzzle Labour Movement – TUC

• TUC President Festus Osifo expresses concern that the government is attempting to silence NLC President Joe Ajaero over terrorism financing allegations
• Osifo emphasizes that Ajaero represents the interests of the NLC and urges the government to clarify the specific charges against him

The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has expressed concern that the federal government is attempting to silence the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). During an interview on Channels TV’s Politics on Wednesday, Osifo, who also serves as the President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), addressed the recent invitation of NLC President Joe Ajaero by the police over allegations related to terrorism financing and other charges.

The police invitation has sparked significant controversy, with the NLC threatening to shut down the country if Ajaero is arrested. Osifo highlighted that the NLC’s legal counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), has responded, demanding that the government clarify the specific charges against Ajaero. Osifo emphasized that the situation is widely perceived as an attempt by the government to intimidate and suppress the labour movement.

“There was a response from our lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), saying the government should tell us what the offences of Ajaero are. They should open up much more. Nigerians need to know because the way it is being perceived generally is that you are muzzling the labour movement; you are trying to cow the labour movement,” Osifo stated.

He further noted that Ajaero is not acting alone but representing the interests of the NLC. “Everything he is doing, he is trying to represent the labour congress. For us, we will continue to advocate and force the government to do what is right to move forward,” he added.

In addition to addressing the issues surrounding Ajaero, Osifo also urged the government to focus on increasing oil reserves to address the recurring problem of fuel scarcity in the country. He warned that unless the government takes decisive action, the problem will persist.

“Even if petrol queues end now, there is no guarantee that they will not return in a month, since the sector is facing serious challenges,” Osifo concluded.