Victor Ezeja
Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom has condemned action of the Nigerian government in arresting and detaining President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.
Prime Business Africa had reported that Ajaero was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on his way to participate in the TUC conference in London.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking at the TUC 2024 conference in London on Tuesday, the UK TUC’s, General Secretary, Paul Nowak, demanded that the Nigerian authorities end their persecution of Ajaero.
He added the UK TUC is in solidarity with Nigerian trade unions.
“This unlawful arrest is a gross violation of fundamental trade union freedoms, and in arresting him on his way to speak to us of the essential trade union right to seek solidarity, Nigeria’s trade unions still have our solidarity.
“We condemn the actions of the Nigerian government and demand that they end their persecution of Joe Ajaero,” Nowak stated.
NLC had accused the DSS of arresting Ajaero without a warrant. They union added that no prior invitation was given and that the president was never declared wanted before the incident.
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NLC which threatened to mobilise its members and protest the action of the Federal Government which it termed as illegal and an act of intimidation on the labour union’s leadership.
Ajaero was released around 11 pm on Monday after several calls for his freedom. He was released on bail a few minutes to the ultimatum given by the NLC. The secret service has also released Ajaero’s passport
Earlier, the labour leader had been invited by the Nigeria Police Force which he honoured on 29 August The police invitation was over “a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime”.
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Ajaero and other labour union leaders have engaging the federal government with demands including implementation of the new minimum wage which has been approved and passed into law, and reversal of the petrol price hike among others.
Observers say Ajaero’s persecution might not be unconnected with his uncompromising stance of opposing government policies that seem not to promote the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
