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The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other groups have criticized the arrest of its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and have warned the government of possible serious action in response.
They are demanding his immediate release and have alerted their members to prepare for a possible confrontation.
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Reports indicate that Ajaero was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while he was about to travel to the UK for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) event.
After an emergency meeting, the NLC labeled the arrest as unlawful and unjust, expressing deep concern over what they see as a violation of Ajaero’s rights, including his freedom of movement and expression.
In a statement signed by the NLC’s Deputy President, Adeyanju Adewale, they demanded Ajaero’s release by midnight and accused the government of trying to silence the labor movement.
They also linked the arrest to broader issues affecting workers, such as the recent increase in petrol prices to N617 per liter.
The NLC has put all its branches and allies on high alert, hinting at a potential nationwide strike if Ajaero is not released.
The arrest, they say, is not just an attack on labor leaders but also on the broader rights of Nigerians to organize and protest.
In anticipation of further action, the NLC has called for another emergency meeting to plan their next steps, insisting on defending the rights of Nigerian workers and urging the government to uphold democratic principles, including the National Minimum Wage law.
The TUC of Nigeria also condemned the arrest, calling it a violation of fundamental rights and stressing that it threatens the labor movement and the rights of millions of Nigerian workers who rely on unions to protect their interests.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana added that Ajaero’s arrest was unrelated to a previous police invitation and noted that the DSS has not provided a reason for the arrest.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has also called on President Bola Tinubu to stop the DSS from intimidating and harassing its members, especially after officers reportedly raided SERAP’s office without warning. They stressed that such actions undermine human rights and justice in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Air Peace Airlines, which had filed a petition against Ajaero in 2023, clarified that the matter had been resolved, and the petition was withdrawn long before the arrest. They expressed surprise at the arrest, stating that it does not reflect the current relationship between the airline and the NLC.
