Few hours after the detention of the President of the Nigeria Labor Congress, Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian government while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a global workers’ gathering, the NLC has commenced a closed-door meeting.
The Head of Public Relations, NLC, Benson Upah, who made this known to newsmen said that agents of the Nigerian State seized Ajaero without a legal warrant or formal instrument, and his whereabouts and health status are currently unknown.
The NLC condemned the detention describing it as a “brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation” demanding Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release.
“The Congress has also called on the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to take note of the rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria.”
Ajaero was set to address the Trade Union Congress in the UK on behalf of Nigerian workers, discussing critical issues like workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.
Upah said, “The NLC has put its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert and vowed to protect workers’ rights and not be cowed by oppressive tactics.
“The Congress is currently holding a closed-door meeting to discuss the situation, and the outcome will be made public soon.”
Operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS) had arrested the President of the Nigeria Labor Congress (N L C), Joe Ajaero on Monday October 9, 2024 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
It could be recalled that the Nigeria Police Force had invited and interrogated Ajaero over allegations of terrorism financing, cybercrime, subversion, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.
His invitation came in the wake of a night raid by the police on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.
The police are alleging a link between the labor leader and a Briton, Andrew Wynne, who has been accused of financing the recent #EndBadGovernance or #Hunger protest in the country to allegedly overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. However he was released after some hours after he was interrogated by the Police.
Following Ajaero’s first appearance on August 29, the police, in another letter signed by the Commissioner of Police, Operations, Ibitoye Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, Abuja, asked him to appear again on Thursday, September 5, alongside with the NLC General Secretary “to answer questions over alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property.”
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