Power outage looms as NUEE fights NLC president’s Arrest

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a stern warning, threatening to shut down the power sector if Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero is arrested.

This comes after the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force invited Ajaero on August 19 for questioning over allegations including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. Read more here.

In a statement, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, expressed deep concern over what the union described as politically motivated charges against Ajaero, who also serves as NUEE’s General Secretary.

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The union condemned the federal government’s actions, labeling them as witch-hunting, harassment, and intimidation, following the recent unlawful invasion of NLC’s National headquarters.

NUEE criticized the government’s approach, accusing it of attempting to stifle labour rights and free speech amid growing public dissatisfaction with unfavourable policies. The statement emphasized that such actions were particularly disturbing in a democratic setting, where the government should serve the people, not a select few.

Dominic highlighted that the government’s actions were a blatant violation of the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organization Conventions, particularly Conventions 87 and 98, which protect labour rights. He warned that NUEE would not tolerate government interference in the labour movement and vowed to follow NLC directives if the NLC president is Arrested.

NUEE has directed its leadership at all levels to begin mobilizing members across the Generation, Transmission, and Distribution sectors to withdraw their services if the arrest occurs. The union also urged the federal government to exercise caution, noting that the nation is already on edge due to widespread hunger and hyperinflation.

NUEE concluded by stressing the importance of respecting citizens’ rights for the country to progress.