NLC demands immediate release of Comrade Ajaero, places all affiliates on red alert

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the detention of its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who was seized this morning by agents of the Nigerian State.

Ajaero was en route to the United Kingdom on an official invitation from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain when he was intercepted and taken into custody.

Ajaero was scheduled to represent Nigerian workers at the global TUC Congress in the UK, a significant platform for discussing critical issues like workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.

However, all efforts to ascertain his whereabouts and state of health have so far been unsuccessful, raising alarm within the labor community.

In a statement released by Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs for the NLC, the organization denounced the detention as an act of lawlessness and intimidation, noting that Ajaero was taken without any legal warrant or formal instrument.

The NLC emphasized that Ajaero is not a fugitive, and his detention is therefore unjustified under Nigerian law.

“This is an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies,” the NLC stated, adding that such actions are undemocratic, immoral, and a direct affront to the fundamental rights of citizens and organizations to lawfully express their views and conduct their activities.

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In response to this troubling development, the NLC has placed all its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and patriotic Nigerians on high alert. The Congress vowed not to stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero.

The NLC also called on the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to take note of what it described as a rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria. The labor body warned that the world must bear witness to these assaults on human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

As the situation unfolds, the NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights, declaring that it will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state.

The Congress also reiterated its demands for the release of all Nigerians detained for exercising their democratic rights, including those arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The NLC leadership is currently holding a closed-door meeting, with the outcomes expected to be made public soon.