The Strategic Communication arm of renowned civil society organisation, the Democracy Watch Initiative, has strongly criticized Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), accusing him of being the most deceptive labour leader in Nigeria’s history.
According to the group, Ajaero’s recent criticisms of the federal government’s policies are nothing but a façade designed to create a false impression of his concern for the Nigerian people.
In a statement released on Thursday, Dr. Tunji Bamidele, Director of Strategic Communication for the Initiative, claimed that Ajaero’s recent actions were an attempt to divert attention from his police interrogation over an alleged plot against the government.
The police invitation, Bamidele clarified, had no connection to Ajaero’s leadership of the NLC but was instead linked to credible intelligence regarding attempts to destabilize the current administration.
He said: “Let’s not forget that when civil society groups and political pressure organizations called on the NLC to join the End-Bad-Governance protests, Ajaero blatantly refused. He offered no cogent reason for his disinterest in the nationwide protests. His silence was deafening, and his refusal to stand with the people before, during tl and after the protest was a clear case of betrayal.
“Now, Ajaero has the audacity to issue a press statement filled with fake outrage and pretentious demands, condemning the government for increasing the pump price of PMS and other policies. Where was this outrage when Nigerians were being pushed to the brink? Where was this fire when the people needed a leader to galvanize the masses and stand up to the nationwide protest?
“Ajaero’s sudden concern is nothing more than a charade, a pathetic attempt to reclaim relevance after his cowardly silence during the protests.
“Even more laughable is his attempt to deflect attention from his recent invitation by the police. Ajaero would have us believe that this is somehow linked to his role in the NLC. But let’s be clear: the police’s interest in Ajaero stems from credible intelligence regarding a plot for regime change through the backdoor—not from his so-called leadership of the NLC.
“This is a matter between Ajaero and the Nigeria Police Force, and he should not attempt to hang it on the NLC or hide behind the organization to escape accountability.
“Ajaero’s hypocrisy knows no bounds. He speaks of betrayal by the government, but what greater betrayal is there than a labour leader who abandons his constituents when they need him most? His history of deceitful antics, his insincerity, and his lack of genuine commitment to the struggles of the Nigerian people are well known. The NLC under his leadership has been reduced to a toothless body, issuing empty statements instead of leading the charge for real change.
“Nigerians must see through Ajaero’s facade. His sudden outburst is nothing but a desperate bid to salvage his tarnished image. But the people deserve better than a leader who only pretends to care when it suits him, a leader who is more interested in maintaining his own position than in fighting for the rights and welfare of the working class.
“The fight for justice, equity, and good governance must continue, but it must be led by those who have proven themselves to be consistent, courageous, and genuinely committed. Not by those who, like Ajaero, are all too willing to abandon the cause when the going gets tough. Ajaero’s legacy will not be one of leadership but of betrayal, and history will not be kind to him.”
