They Can Imprison Our Bodies, Not Our Spirits – NLC Leader Ajaero

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has stated that the labour movement will reject all efforts to intimidate and silence it.

In recent weeks, Ajaero has had to honor invitations from the Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, and now says he will honor the latest police invitation made to him on Wednesday, September 25.

Speaking to some union officials in Lagos, Ajaero said: “Recently, I was arrested and detained by the state, a clear attempt to intimidate and silence our movement. They hoped to find wrongdoing but we have kept faith alive. We must all do the same.

“On August 29, we honoured the summons of the state to answer to some allegations and on the 25th of this month, we shall honour another one, this time at the police headquarters in Abuja.

“Let me say the strength of our movement lies not only in our resolve but also in the integrity with which we conduct ourselves.

”Our hands, must remain unsullied, our hearts pure, so that when the enemies of our movement come, as they will;, they will find nothing to use against us. Comrades, you have seen it firsthand.

“As we, therefore, prepare for the struggles ahead, remember they can imprison our bodies, but they cannot imprison our spirit.

”They can throw every obstacle in our path, but they cannot destroy our unity. We must be vigilant, united and ready to stand firm in the face of whatever may come.

“We are especially thankful to the International Labour Organization, ILO, the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, ITUC-Africa, Public Services International, PSI, Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of the UK, IndustriALL Global Union, the German Federation of Trade Unions, LO Norway, and all the patriotic Nigerians.

“Your collective voices condemned the actions of the government against the NLC and its“leadership, and for this, we remain profoundly grateful,” Ajaero said.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli