The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of its President, Joe Ajaero, by Monday midnight or face severe repercussions.
The NLC has scheduled an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for Tuesday at 9:00 AM to deliberate on its response if Ajaero is not freed.
In a communiqué following an urgent National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting, signed by NLC Deputy President Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the NLC condemned Ajaero’s arrest and detention.
The communiqué read, “The National Administrative Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress convened an emergency meeting today to address the alarming and unlawful arrest and detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by agents of the Nigerian Government.”
Ajaero was detained at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while traveling to the United Kingdom to attend and address the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain on behalf of Nigerian workers.
The NLC described the detention as a blatant violation of democratic principles and workers’ rights.
“The NAC unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian State without any legal warrant or justification,” the statement continued.
“Comrade Ajaero was lawfully discharging his duties and had not committed any offense warranting such action. His detention is an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.”
The NLC is also demanding the reversal of the recent hike in petrol prices to N617 per litre, describing the arrest as an attempt to silence dissent and undermine the labor movement in Nigeria.
The communiqué further stated, “The Congress places all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil Society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert. The detention of Comrade Ajaero is an attack not just on the NLC leadership but on the rights of all workers and citizens to organize, protest, and express themselves freely.”
The NLC has vowed to take action to oppose any form of oppression and to safeguard workers’ rights and freedoms. An emergency NEC meeting has been called for Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM to discuss further steps and responses to the situation.
