By Uzor Odigbo
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has kicked against the arrest of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero by the security apparatus of the Nigerian state, saying it will comply with any decisions reached by the Congress.
Ajaero on Monday was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on his way to attend the Workers Congress by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain.
MWUN under the leadership of Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, in a statement on Monday stated that the NLC President was to address a global assembly of workers on behalf of the Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress of the United Kingdom (UK).
Adeyanju lamented that It’s in the public domain that Comrade Ajaero is not a fugitive anywhere in the world, therefore, his arrest without warrant and detention is condemnable in its entirety.
According to a statement by John Ikemefuna , Head Media MWUN, quoted the President General saying the unholy act of the state agents infringed on the fundamental human rights of the Congress’ President, who has been held incommunicado on Monday morning with no traces of his whereabouts.
“It’s also on record that Comrade Ajaero is a Nigerian citizen and not in any way a “wanted person” by the Nigerian state; therefore, his abduction was just a deliberate act to humiliate, dehumanize him; and a wholesome act of intimidation of the Labour President, which by all measure is absolutely unjustifiable by the laws of the land.
“However, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), frowns over this ugly incident on the Congress’ President, whose rights have been extremely violated by the security agents of the state; hence, MWUN is calling for the immediate unconditional release of Ajaero, the NLC President.
“In view of the foregoing, the Union will have no other option if he’s not released but to comply with directives that may come from the Nigeria Labour Congress on this matter.”, Adeyanju warned.
