The Trade Union Congress, on Monday, issued a strong demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.
According to The PUNCH, Ajaero had been arrested earlier that day at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, just as he was preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official engagement.
The TUC expressed its position in a statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo.
In his remarks, Osifo condemned the arrest, describing it as a serious violation of fundamental democratic principles, including the right to freedom of association and expression.
Speaking on the matter, Osifo said, “This unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.” He emphasized the need for the authorities to act swiftly, calling for Ajaero’s “immediate and unconditional release.”
Osifo also highlighted the potential implications of such an arrest, noting that it set a dangerous precedent.
“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,” he said.
The TUC president further urged the Nigerian government to uphold the principles of the rule of law, stressing that dialogue and peaceful negotiations should be prioritized over harassment.
“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,” Osifo stated.
The NLC president had been on his way to attend a major Trade Union Congress conference in London, which was scheduled to commence on the same day.
Osifo reiterated the importance of respecting workers’ rights and urged the government to “prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment.”
The TUC vowed to stand in solidarity with the NLC and remain steadfast in defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.
This development has sparked widespread concern within the labour community, as it underscores growing tensions between labour unions and the government.
