The NLC said it would conduct a comprehensive medical check on Comrade Ajaero to ensure that his health has not been compromised.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was earlier proposed for Tuesday, following the arrest of its national president, Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He was on his way to the UK for a global Trade Union Congress (TUC) meeting.
He was released around 11 pm following pressure from local and international bodies.
In a statement on Tuesday, the NLC’s Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju, said the congress would conduct a medical check on Ajaero to ensure his health is intact.
The NLC also thanked all Nigerians, civil society organisations (CSOs), its affiliates, and the international community for their support during Ajaero’s arrest and detention.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), our esteemed affiliates, and the international community for the unwavering support and massive solidarity shown during the unlawful arrest and detention of our President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian State,” the statement said.
“This overwhelming display of unity in defence of justice and workers’ rights reinforces the strength of collective action and underscores the unbreakable bond between the Nigerian people and the labour movement. We are pleased to inform the public that Comrade Joe Ajaero was released late last night, at approximately 11:00 PM, following intense pressure mounted by the NLC and in compliance with the demands issued by the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC. NAC had given the government a firm ultimatum, with a deadline of 12 midnight, to release Comrade Ajaero, whose detention was a clear violation of our rights and an affront to the principles of democracy.
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“While we celebrate his release, the NLC remains vigilant. We will conduct a comprehensive medical check on Comrade Ajaero to ensure that his health has not been compromised as a result of the illegal and unjust treatment meted out to him. The well-being of our President is paramount, and we will not rest until we are assured that his health is intact. The arrest and detention of Comrade Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, while he was en-route to represent Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain, is a stark reminder of the lengths to which the Nigerian State will go to silence the voice of labour and crush dissent.
“The NLC unequivocally condemns this reckless abuse of power and reaffirms our commitment to standing firm against all forms of oppression, intimidation, and lawlessness. This attack on the NLC and its leadership is not just an attack on one individual; it is an assault on the fundamental rights of all Nigerian workers and citizens. The government’s actions are a threat to our freedom of movement, expression, and the right to organize and protest. We caution the Nigerian Government against further provocative actions aimed at undermining the labour movement and stifling legitimate demands, such as the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.
“We once again, demand the release of all citizens languishing in jails across the country for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protest around the country; stoppage of the massive clampdown on popular voices that espouse dissenting opinions; cessation of the muzzling of various fundamental freedoms currently going on in the country; the reversal of the hikes in the price of Petrol (PMS) and Electricity tariffs, the release of all the President’s travel documents withheld by the state. The NLC will not waver in its duty to defend the rights of workers, and we remain prepared to take all necessary actions to protect these rights and restore justice.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC which was proposed for today has therefore been suspended to assess the situation and determine the next steps in our collective struggle. We call on all Nigerians, our affiliates, and the international community to remain steadfast and vigilant as we continue this fight. The NLC is committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of workers and citizens are respected. Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all.”
