Emmanuel Oludare
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commenced a high-level, closed-door meeting in response to the sudden arrest of its president, Joe Ajaero, by agents of the Nigerian government.
The arrest occurred as Ajaero was en route to the United Kingdom for an official engagement with global labour unions, a development that has sparked outrage within the labour community.
Benson Upah, Head of Public Relations for the NLC, confirmed the news during an interview with journalists, expressing the union’s deep concern over what they described as an “illegal detention.”
Upah stated that Ajaero was arrested without any legal warrant or formal documentation, leaving his whereabouts and health status unknown.
“This is a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation,” Upah declared. “Ajaero’s detention violates his rights, and we demand his immediate and unconditional release.
This incident is not just an attack on the NLC but on the fundamental rights of workers across Nigeria.”
Ajaero, a prominent voice in advocating for workers’ rights, was set to represent Nigeria at the Trade Union Congress in the UK, where he was expected to deliver a key address on issues surrounding workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.
His sudden detention, however, has thrown those plans into disarray, sparking swift condemnation from the labour community.
In light of the arrest, the NLC has placed its affiliates, state councils, and allied civil society groups on high alert.
The Congress vowed not to be intimidated by what it described as oppressive tactics from the state.
According to Upah, the NLC is prepared to escalate its response if Ajaero is not released, signalling a potential standoff between the union and the government.
“The Congress is currently holding a closed-door meeting to discuss the situation. The outcome will be made public soon,” Upah told reporters, hinting that a major decision may be on the horizon.
Ajaero’s arrest has raised questions about the government’s stance on labour rights and its handling of dissenting voices.
The NLC’s leadership has warned that further escalation may involve industrial action, as it continues to monitor the situation closely.
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