The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero on Monday for failing to honor an invitation by the agency. DSS source who pleaded anonymity disclosed that the organisation had earlier invited Ajaero over a petition against him by some top NLC leaders bordering on national security. “You know that our new DG (Director-General), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi resumed duty less than two weeks ago. This was one of the petitions he inherited. He insisted that we invite the NLC president to clear the air on some of the allegations.”
“Last week, we invited Ajaero through the normal channel, which is on the telephone. A very senior director extended the invitation, and was mandated to handle the investigation.”
“Ajaero promised to come today, Monday. The next thing we heard was that Ajaero was sighted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, trying to board an international flight.”
The source added that the Counter Intelligence Agency, CIA in the United States are often praised for operating without fear or favor; so we must learn to live within the ambit of the law, including honoring invitation by security agencies.
Meanwhile, no responsible security organization will fold its hands in the face of such contempt. The law setting up the DSS empowers the agency to defend Nigeria against domestic threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of Nigeria, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal and state law-enforcement organs.