The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its President, Mr Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was allegedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport on his way to the UK for a TUC meeting.
Mr Benson Upah, NLC Head of Information, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Upah said that Ajaero was seized and whisked away by agents of the Nigerian State while on his way to the Uk, on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain.
He said that Ajaero was set to attend and address the global gathering of workers, on behalf of Nigerian workers at the TUC in the UK.
According to him, in light of this troubling development, the congress puts all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert.
” The congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon.
“Accordingly, we demand for the immediate and unconditional release of comrade Ajaero.
“We call on the international community, human rights organisations, and all advocates of democracy to take note of this rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria.
” The world must bear witness to these assaults on human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
“The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero and the cessation of all forms of harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class, including innocent,”he said.
Upah said that the congress was yet to ascertain its president whereabouts or state of health, as all efforts made to get in touch with him had proved abortive.
” We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument.
“His detention is a brazen act of intimidation and completely unjustified under the laws of our nation.
“The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom, is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers,’”he said.
He said that the NLC is also demanding the release all Nigerians languishing in various prisons around the country, for exercising their democratic rights to protest in the #EndBadGovernance around the country.
“Finally, the organs of the congress are in a closed door meeting whose outcome will be made available to the public,”he said.
The Department of State for Security (DSS) has arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.
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Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Aiport in Abuja, on Monday on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment, the NLC said.
Head of Information of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah, confirmed the arrest to Channels Television.
The NLC president was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.
Upah said the union does not know where Ajaero had been taken but he had sent a message saying it was the DSS that arrested him.
A statement by the union later said the NLC president had been detained.
The statement read in part “We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive. His detention is therefore a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body.
His detention is a brazen act of intimidation and completely unjustified under the laws of our nation. The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers.”
His arrest and detention came about a week after he honoured an invitation by the police on August 28. He was released the following day after honouring the invitation.
The NLC President was initially invited by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), over allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
“In furtherance of investigations into the alleged case of Criminal Intimidation, Conducts Likely to Cause Breach of Public Peace and Malicious Damage to Properties in which your name featured.
“You are requested to come along with Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja or an interview with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force intelligence Department (FID) through the undersigned, at SPO’s Room 12, 2nd Floor, Force Intelligence Department (FID) Complex, Shehu hagari way, opposite Force Headquarters Area 11, Garki, Abuja on Thursday, 5th September, 2024 at 11am.
“On arrival, you may wish to call Mr. Usman on GSM number 08039659139. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please,” the police’s second invitation read.
Also invited was the Secretary General of the union, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
Ajaero reported at the Force Headquarters in Abuja accompanied by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and others.
After honouring the invitation, Ajaero returned to the NLC headquarters where he addressed a crowd of NLC members who had gathered in solidarity with him.
In his speech, Ajaero described the labour movement as the most patriotic organisation in the country, promising that the union won’t compromise its patriotism no matter the challenge it faces.
His invitation by the police had generated controversy with the NLC and other labour unions accusing the Federal Government of attempting to intimidate labour leaders.
The invitation came in the wake of a night raid by the police on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja.