The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, who was arrested by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) on Monday at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to catch a flight to the United Kingdom to attend an event of the World Trade Union Congress (WTUC) has been released.
Penpushing reports that Ajaero was released to his lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, from Falana and Falana Chambers at about 11pm, after 15 hours of detention, and has returned to his home as at the time of filing this report
The lawyer who confirmed the release said the secret police tasked him with presenting him for further interrogation whenever the need arose, while it is recalled that shortly after the arrest the Trade Union Cogress(TUC) demanded immediate and unconditional release of the union boss
‘The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has received with grave concern the news of the arrest of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) earlier today. This unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society’, the statement read.
Penpushing further reports that President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo in a statement declared that the arrest sets a dangerous precedence that threatens voices of millions of working-class Nigerians
‘Congress, finally condemns the arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. This arrest sets a dangerous precedence that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian Labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests’
‘It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The Labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations.
‘We therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.
Penpushing also reports that it is recalled that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Ajaero have been having a running battle with the Nigerian government, and the police have invited him on two occasions, one of which involved the 70-year-old British socialist Andrew Wynee, who runs a bookstore in the Labour House building, where the union headquarters is located.
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