LP demands NLC president’s arrest over party secretariat invasion

On Wednesday, the Labour Party issued a strong condemnation against the intrusion of its party secretariat by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, led by Joe Ajaero.

Abayomi Arabambi, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, demanded Ajaero’s arrest on charges of “treason” for allegedly orchestrating a political disturbance against the Federal Government. Arabambi accused Ajaero of inciting a breach of peace by calling on students, market women, leaders, thugs, and other troublemakers to invade Labour Party offices across the 36 states.

On Tuesday, the NLC had directed its members to mobilize and besiege LP secretariats nationwide to protest the party’s national convention planned for March 27. This directive was jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the NLC Political Commission, Titus Amba and Chris Uyot, respectively, who demanded the resignation or dismissal of the Labour Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure.

Subsequently, protesting NLC members attempted to force their way into LP national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday but were prevented by security operatives.

Addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Arabambi emphasized the illegality of the NLC’s actions and called for Ajaero’s arrest. He asserted the Labour Party’s readiness to defend its leadership against what he described as “NLC political terrorists.” Arabambi emphasized that the LP would resist any attempt to hijack its leadership through illegal means.

Arabambi criticized Ajaero for his history of civil disobedience and disregard for due process. He urged the NLC to pursue legal channels if it had grievances. He reiterated the LP’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining its autonomy from external interference.

Arabambi concluded by expressing disappointment in the NLC’s leadership, labelling them as failures who prioritize personal agendas over the welfare of Nigerian workers.