The National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has ignited a wave of online reactions following the emergence of photos showing him at COP28 in Dubai.
Amidst the ongoing uproar over the large number of Nigerian delegates at the summit, netizens expressed surprise upon discovering Ajaero’s participation in the event. This development comes just weeks after the NLC president was reportedly beaten and brutalized in Imo State by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by the state government ahead of the off-cycle election.
The incident prompted a nationwide strike, which was only called off after the intervention of the federal government.
However, Ajaero’s presence at COP28 has raised eyebrows, with many Nigerians speculating that he may have been compensated for the earlier incident in Imo State.
Twitter user @vendomshome commented, “One of the reasons why Nigeria can’t get better. The people who are supposed to be fighting for us are fighting for their pockets. May God see us through.”
@General_Oluchi wrote, “He was beaten up and compensated with a trip to Dubai as a COP28 delegate. Habibi, come to Dubai!”
@NwefiaP1 expressed skepticism, stating, “Lol no wonder they called off the strike.”
@aai_austin humorously remarked, “You know the way you beat your toddler and use biscuit to make up. Them don go reaffirm love for am for Duba.”
@MovieCinemax1 criticized Ajaero, saying, “What a shame. Wetin this one know about climate change. 14000 attendees from Nigeria and not a single credible person.”
The controversy surrounding Ajaero’s presence at COP28 raises questions about the motives and priorities of some Nigerian delegates, especially in the context of pressing national issues and the supposed advocacy role of labor leaders.