NLC Condemns Arrest Of Ajaero, Calls Emergency Meeting

Abuja, Nigeria- The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the arrest of its President, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday.

Ajaero was detained en route to the UK to attend an international workers’ conference.

The NLC has convened an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) to deliberate on further actions.

Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs for the NLC, confirmed that Ajaero was detained without a legal warrant or formal notification. “We are currently unaware of his location or condition,” Upah said.

Ajaero was scheduled to speak at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK, focusing on workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.

The NLC has denounced Ajaero’s detention as “a blatant act of lawlessness and intimidation.” They argue that his detention, without any formal charges, is a severe infringement on democratic rights and freedoms.

“This act is a clear demonstration of the government’s disregard for democratic principles and an attempt to stifle dissent,” the NLC stated. “It is an affront to our rights as citizens and workers, and we demand Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release.”

The NLC has urged its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant.

They also call on the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to recognize the escalating authoritarianism in Nigeria.

The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and demanded the release of all Nigerians detained for exercising their right to protest during the #EndBadGovernance rallies.