The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has just arrived at the Headquarters of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Ajaero was summoned by the police last week to appear at the IRT Headquarters on August 20th at 10 a.m. to address allegations related to terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
Although Ajaero was unable to attend on the original date, he committed to honoring the invitation today. He arrived at the premises on Thursday at precisely 10:17 a.m., accompanied by Femi Falana, SAN, Marshal Abubakar, Deji Adeyanju, and other senior NLC officials.
The IRT is a division of the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Nigerian Police Force has summoned Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for an investigation over serious allegations, including terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime, and related offences.
The invitation was detailed in a letter dated August 19, 2024, signed by ACP Adamu Muazu on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team. The letter warned that failure to comply with the invitation would result in the issuance of a warrant for Ajaero's arrest.
The letter stated: "This office is investigating a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime in which you have been implicated. You are required to report for an interview on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Old Abattoir by Guzape Junction, Abuja. Failure to honor this letter will compel this office to issue a warrant for your arrest."
In response, Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, suggested that this invitation might be connected to the recent police raid on the union's headquarters. Upah remarked, "Clearly, the last has not been heard about the raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress headquarters."
He added that prior to the raid, the NLC had urged the government to engage in dialogue with the protest organizers, clarifying that the union was not involved in the protest. The NLC had also criticized the police for the high casualty rate during the protests and demanded an apology from both the police and the government.
At a recent press conference, the NLC had warned that if anything happened to its leadership or members, the police should be held responsible. Upah concluded with a question circulating among observers: "Who wants Joe Ajaero out of circulation?"
Police Summon NLC President Ajaero Over Alleged Terrorism Financing
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) claims its members aren't receiving enough Premium Motor Spirit from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) amidst the ongoing fuel scarcity. With over 3,000 members controlling most of the filling stations nationwide, IPMAN says NNPCL, the sole importer of petroleum products, has failed to supply adequate fuel for the past three years.
Engr. Shina Amoo, Chairman of IPMAN's Ore Depot, stated that there is virtually "no supply anywhere," and the available fuel isn't well-distributed. Independent marketers, who primarily operate in rural and urban areas, are being sidelined in supply distribution. Amoo explained that out of 50 petrol stations, only a handful have fuel, which they purchase at inflated prices between ₦750 and ₦850 per liter from private depots.
He also highlighted the lengthy and bureaucratic process of obtaining fuel directly from NNPCL, which can take up to five months, leading marketers to buy from private depots instead. Amoo criticized the NNPCL's distribution pattern, claiming it favors other marketers over IPMAN. He pointed out that the main issues stem from the fuel subsidy and NNPCL's monopoly as the sole importer. Amoo believes that eliminating corruption in the downstream sector could help reduce fuel prices.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged state governments to prioritize agricultural development, warning that Nigeria's inability to feed itself poses a significant risk to the nation. He made these remarks during a weekend visit to Abeokuta by a delegation of Commissioners and Special Advisers from Niger State.
Obasanjo highlighted that with the availability of modern agricultural equipment, the impact of current agricultural initiatives could surpass those of past efforts. During the visit, the delegation toured a state-of-the-art soilless farm where youths from Niger State are being trained in innovative agricultural techniques for future implementation back home.
The former president praised Niger State Governor Umaru Bago for his efforts to transform the state's agricultural sector, comparing Bago's initiatives to his own "Operation Feed the Nation" policy of 1976. Obasanjo emphasized that achieving agricultural self-sufficiency could elevate Nigeria's current status and significantly improve the socio-economic well-being of its people. He called on other state governors to follow Niger State's example to ensure that Nigeria can produce the majority of its own food.
Obasanjo encouraged Niger State to continue investing in agriculture and to explore modern methods to enhance existing practices. He expressed his intention to visit Niger State with his team to learn from their progress and exchange ideas to further advance his agricultural initiatives.
Additionally, Obasanjo advised Nigerians to consider investing in soilless farming, emphasizing that innovative farming techniques are crucial for sustaining the nation's agricultural productivity.
