NLC President, Joe Ajaero
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja –
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently condemned the detention of its leader, Joe Ajaero, describing it as illegal and an affront to workers’ rights and democratic principles.
Deputy President of NLC, Mr Adeyanju Adewale, said this in a communique at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Congress on Monday in Abuja.
Mr. Adewale said the detention is an attack on the NLC leadership, workers, and citizens’ rights to organize, protest, and express themselves freely.
He alleged that the detention aims to scuttle the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.
Ajaero was reportedly arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while traveling to the UK for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) invitation.
The NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) has unequivocally condemned the detention, citing the absence of a legal warrant or justification.
“NLC notes with grave concern that Comrade Ajaero was lawfully discharging his duties to represent Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense warranting such action..
“The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today.
“The Council reiterates that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive or a criminal, and his detention is an act of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and stifling the labor movement’s voice in Nigeria.
“The Congress therefore places all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert.
“NAC-in-session, therefore, summons an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) by 9:00 a.m, tomorrow, Sept. 10 to take compelling action to engage the current forces of retrogression,” he said.
He added that the NLC will not stand by while these rights are trampled upon.
“NAC in session demands the immediate implementation of the New National Minimum Wage which has been signed into Law.
“We also demand the immediate reversal of the current hike in the price of petrol to N617/Litre.
“The NAC also urged the Nigerian government to reverse this dangerous trend of authoritarianism and lawlessness, which threatens the country’s democratic fabric.
“NLC will not waver in its duty to protect the rights of workers and the freedom of all Nigerians,”he said.
