The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government through the Department of State Services for the immediate release of its President, Joe Ajaero.
Following an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council on Monday, the union set a deadline of midnight on Tuesday for Ajaero’s release.
Ajaero, who was en route to the United Kingdom to represent Nigerian workers at the Congress of the Trade Union Congress, was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
His arrest occurred just as he was about to participate in significant discussions on workers’ rights and social justice on a global platform.
The NLC’s Deputy President, Comrade Prince Adeyanju Adewale, signed the statement following the NAC meeting, which expressed the union’s serious concern over the situation.
The communiqué from the emergency NAC session held on September 9, 2024, outlines the following resolutions:
After thorough discussion, the NAC has come to the following resolutions:
“The Council strongly condemns the flagrant and unlawful detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian State without any legal basis or justification.
“The NLC expresses deep concern that Comrade Ajaero was simply performing his duties in representing Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense deserving of such treatment. His detention is a violation of workers’ rights and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.
“Demand for Immediate and Unconditional Release: The NLC calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero by midnight today. The Council emphasizes that Joe Ajaero is neither a fugitive nor a criminal, and his detention represents a form of intimidation aimed at suppressing dissent and undermining the labour movement’s voice in Nigeria. NAC also insists on an immediate reversal of the recent petrol price increase to N617/Litre.
“State of Alert: The Congress places all its affiliates, State Councils, civil society allies, and the Nigerian public on high alert. The detention of Comrade Ajaero is an assault on the NLC leadership and on the rights of all workers and citizens to organize, protest, and express themselves freely.
“The NLC will not passively watch while these rights are infringed upon. This provocation is yet another attempt by the State to hinder the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.
“Mobilization for Further Action: The NLC reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens. The Congress will persist in opposing all forms of oppression.
“The NAC therefore convenes an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) at 9:00 AM on September 10, 2024, to discuss urgent actions against the current retrogressive forces.
“The NAC urges the Nigerian Government to halt this dangerous trend of authoritarianism and lawlessness, which jeopardizes the nation’s democratic integrity.
“NAC in session demands the swift implementation of the New National Minimum Wage, which has already been signed into Law.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and the freedoms of all Nigerians.”
