The Labour Party has issued a strong response to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding threats to invade its offices across the country. The NLC, led by President Joe Ajaero, directed union leaders to prepare for an invasion of the Labour Party’s 36 offices and national secretariat. This directive comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment that vacated earlier rulings concerning the party’s leadership. Ajaero expressed that the NLC cannot remain passive while the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) allegedly defies the Supreme Court’s decision.
In response, the Labour Party, through its National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, condemned the NLC’s actions as a form of blackmail aimed at discrediting the party’s leadership before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies. Ifoh emphasized that the Labour Party would seek protection from security agencies and mobilize its members nationwide to resist any invasion. He characterized the NLC’s threats as “hooliganism” and “rascality,” asserting that such behavior is unbecoming of a union leader.
The Labour Party argues that there is no legal basis for the NLC to attack its offices, as there is no trade dispute that would justify such actions under the Trade Dispute Act. Ifoh warned that if the NLC proceeds with its plans, the Labour Party would take legal action against Ajaero and his associates, including contacting the Registrar of Trade Unions for disciplinary measures.
This situation reflects ongoing tensions between the Labour Party and the NLC, with both sides preparing for potential confrontations. The Labour Party’s leadership is committed to defending its offices and maintaining its position following the Supreme Court’s ruling.
