Nigerian Electricity Workers Threaten National Grid Shutdown Over Police Harassment of NLC President

Nigerian Labor Unions Unite Against Police, Threaten National Grid and Telecoms Shutdown.

In a show of solidarity, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the National Union of Postal and Telecommunications Employees (NUPTE) have vowed to shut down the national grid and telecommunications services if the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, is arrested by the police.

The NUEE, comprising workers in the Transmission Company of Nigeria, has directed its members to down tools from August 21, 2024, if Ajaero is arrested. Similarly, the NUPTE has pledged to shut down telecommunications services in support of the NLC president.

The NLC has also ordered a nationwide strike if Ajaero or any other labor leader is arrested or harmed. This comes after the police invited Ajaero for questioning over allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

The police letter, obtained by SaharaReporters, identified Ajaero as a person of interest in the case and warned that failure to comply with the invitation could lead to a warrant for his arrest.

The NLC has requested an extension of time for Ajaero to honor the invitation, seeking a new date of August 29. However, the police are yet to react to this request.

The labor unions’ move is seen as a bold stance against police intimidation and harassment of labor leaders. The situation is developing, and the outcome remains uncertain.

The police invitation to Ajaero has sparked widespread condemnation from labor unions and human rights groups, who see it as a ploy to silence labor leaders and stifle dissent.

The NLC has been at the forefront of labor activism in Nigeria, leading campaigns for better wages, working conditions, and social justice. Ajaero’s leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing workers and pushing for reforms.

The police action has raised concerns about the growing trend of repression and intimidation of labor leaders and activists in Nigeria. Labor unions and civil society groups are calling for an end to police harassment and respect for workers’ rights.

As the situation unfolds, the nation waits with bated breath to see if the police will back down or if the labor unions will make good on their threat to shut down the national grid and telecommunications services. One thing is certain – the labor movement in Nigeria will not go quietly into the night.