The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the arrest of its president, Joe Ajaero, by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and demanded his immediate release.
Ajaero was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja while preparing to fly to the United Kingdom for a TUC meeting.
In a statement released shortly after Ajaero’s arrest, NLC spokesman Benson Upah called the action an act of lawlessness by the Bola Tinubu-led government and its agencies.
”The congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon. Accordingly, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Ajaero,” said Mr Upah.
He said the NLC had put all its affiliates on alert and urged the international community and rights organisations “to take note of this rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria.”
“The world must bear witness to these assaults on human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law.”
Mr. Upah stated that the congress has been unable to determine the whereabouts or health status of its president, as all attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.
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“We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument.
“His detention is, therefore, a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation, as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body,” he said.
He stated that the NLC is also calling for the release of all Nigerians currently held in various prisons across the country for exercising their democratic right to protest during the #EndBadGovernance demonstration.
“Lastly, the Congress is holding a closed-door meeting, and the outcome will be shared with the public,” he added.
The NLC reaffirmed its dedication to defending workers’ rights and vowed not to be intimidated by the government’s oppressive tactics.
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