The NLC has officially broken its silence on Ajaero’s arrest, addressing the situation and its impact on the labor movement.
Joe Ajaero, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has allegedly been abducted by security operatives without a warrant as per NLC’s accusation.
As reported by Vanguard, Ajaero was arrested earlier today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and this incident is a continuation of that.
The NLC has sent out an alert to its affiliates, state councils, and Nigerian workers following the arrest. They urge everyone to remain vigilant and on high alert.
The Head of Media/Information for NLC, Benson Upah, condemned the Nigerian government and its agencies for their excessive lawlessness displayed in carrying out recent arrests to silence opposing voices. He strongly criticized the government’s economic policies that are resulting in significant suffering and hardship amongst citizens.
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The article named “Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero detained by Nigerian government” reports that earlier today, while en route to the United Kingdom upon invitation from the Trade Union Congress of Britain, agents representing Nigeria’s State forcefully abducted and removed NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero.
Comrade Ajaero was scheduled to participate and present the viewpoint of Nigerian workers at the Congress of Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK, a forum for crucial deliberations regarding labor rights, equity in economic opportunities, and social justice.
We have been unsuccessful in reaching him, therefore his location and current state of health remain unknown.
Without any legal warrant or formal instrument, we want to unequivocally declare that Comrade Ajaero has been detained. It is important to note that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive and his detention constitutes an audacious act of lawlessness and intimidation since no law enforcement body has declared him wanted.
Detaining him is an audacious attempt to intimidate, and it lacks justification under the laws of our country. The very idea of restraining not only a lawful citizen’s ability to travel but also his freedom goes against our democratic principles and inherent rights as individuals and laborers.
The Nigerian government and its agencies are showing an undeniable level of lawlessness by attempting to stifle any dissent or opposition within the country, while their economic policies continue to inflict grave suffering and adversity upon its citizens.
These actions are an affront to fundamental rights, as they impede citizens and organizations from lawfully expressing their opinions and conducting activities. Furthermore, they represent immorality in addition to being undemocratic.
Due to this alarming occurrence, the Congress urges its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant. The Congress will not tolerate any infringement on the rights of its leaders and members.
As a result, we urge for the prompt and complete liberation of comrade Joe Ajaero. Additionally, we implore the global community, civil rights groups, and proponents of democracy to acknowledge the increasing prevalence of authoritarianism in Nigeria. It is crucial that these violations against human worthinesss, freedom privileges, and lawful governance are recorded by humanity.”
The NLC stands firm in its dedication to safeguard the rights of laborers and will not succumb to oppressive strategies employed by authorities. We reiterate our demand for Comrade Joe Ajaero’s swift and unconditional release, an end to all forms of intimidation towards both labor leaders as well as Nigerian workers who hold opposing views. This includes innocent civilians who express dissenting opinions.
We insist that the state release all Nigerian citizens currently held captive in numerous prisons across the nation for engaging in peaceful protests during the #EndBadGovernance rallies.
At last, the Congress’ Organs are engaged in a private gathering and their conclusions will be disclosed to everyone.
