The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), following his arrest on Monday.
In a statement issued by TUC President Festus Osifo, the Congress condemned Ajaero’s detention, labeling it a blatant infringement on the rights to freedom of association and expression, which are fundamental to any democratic society.
Osifo stated, “The arrest of Ajaero is a grave injustice and sets a troubling precedent that undermines not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who depend on unions for representation and protection.”
He emphasized the need for the government to uphold the rule of law, democratic values, and workers’ rights, advocating for dialogue and reconciliation rather than coercion.
Ajaero was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as he was preparing to travel to the United Kingdom for the Trade Union Congress conference starting today.
