The National Union of Electricity Employees has sharply criticized the arrest of its General Secretary, Joe Ajaero, who also serves as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The union expressed its concerns following Ajaero’s detention by operatives of the Department of State Services while he was en route to the United Kingdom. Ajaero was traveling on an invitation from the Trade Union Congress of Britain.
In a statement released on Monday, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, highlighted the troubling nature of Ajaero’s detention.
The union pointed out that Ajaero has been held in conditions akin to those of a fugitive, deprived of access to his lawyers, family, and colleagues.
NUEE condemned the action as a severe infringement on Ajaero’s fundamental rights and freedoms. The union emphasized that this act represents an attempt to intimidate and harass labor leaders and workers who speak out against the severe economic hardships caused by the government’s neglect.
“We are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Com. Joe Ajaero and we are saying to the government to desist from its unscrupulous harassment of labour leaders and Nigerian workers who speak out on the crushing hardship they are battling with caused by the irresponsible acts of the government that has turned deaf ears to the groaning of the people that they are governing,” NUEE stated.
The union questioned the rationale behind the government’s attempt to silence voices protesting the dire economic conditions and the erosion of living standards.
NUEE underscored that Ajaero is a representative of the Nigerian workforce and ordinary citizens.
“This act of the government signifies trampling on masses and is tantamount to beating a child and preventing the child from crying,” NUEE added. “An injury to Ajaero is an injury to all Nigerian workers and Electricity employees. Nigeria is our collective country; our leaders should not make us live like slaves who cannot express themselves in our country.”
NUEE called for the unequivocal and unconditional release of Ajaero, ensuring his safety, and has mobilized its members to remain vigilant for further instructions.
