LP demands NLC president’s arrest over party secretariat invasion

The Labour Party strongly condemned the invasion of its party secretariat by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), headed by Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday.

Abayomi Arabambi, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, called for Ajaero's arrest on charges of "treason." Arabambi accused Ajaero of orchestrating a political insurrection against the Federal Government by inciting actions likely to disrupt peace. Ajaero allegedly called on students, market women, leaders, thugs, and other miscreants to invade Labour Party offices in all 36 states, a move deemed capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

The NLC had issued a directive on Tuesday, instructing its members to mobilize workers and besiege LP secretariats nationwide to protest the party's planned national convention on March 27. The circular, signed by Titus Amba and Chris Uyot, Chairman and Secretary of the NLC Political Commission, respectively, also demanded the immediate resignation or removal of Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure, citing alleged financial misconduct and contempt of the union president, Joe Ajaero.

Following the directive, scores of protesting NLC members attempted to gain access to the LP national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, chanting solidarity songs and demanding changes in party leadership. However, security operatives stationed in the area prevented them from entering the party secretariat to maintain order.

Addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, LP National Publicity Secretary Arabambi condemned Ajaero's actions and called for his arrest. Arabambi described the NLC's actions as illegal and outdated, not in line with modern democratic practices.

"We are prepared to defend our party leadership against any attempts to hijack it through illegal means," Arabambi stated. "We will not hesitate to use force against NLC 'political terrorists' attempting to take over our party's national secretariat."

Arabambi criticized Ajaero for his history of civil disobedience and disregard for legal processes, especially concerning matters pending before the Supreme Court. Arabambi emphasized the need for all parties to uphold the status quo as determined by the Court of Appeal and denounced the NLC's attempts to coerce political parties.

He concluded by expressing disappointment in the current NLC leadership, describing them as ineffective in addressing the myriad issues facing Nigerian workers and accusing them of prioritizing insignificant matters over substantial worker concerns.