The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has demanded Joe Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release from the Nigerian government, condemning his arrest and detention by the Department of State Service, DSS.
The congress’ deputy president, Adeyanju Adewale, issued a statement on Monday night on behalf of the NLC’s National Administrative Council, calling the Ajaero’s detention “brazen and illegal” and an “affront to the rights of workers and democratic principles.”
The council demanded Ajaero’s release by 12 midnight and also called for the reversal of the recent petrol price hike to N617/litre.
The NLC has placed its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on the red alert, warning that it will not stand by while workers’ rights are trampled upon.
The council has also summoned an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council to take further action against the government’s “authoritarianism and lawlessness.”
The NLC has reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and opposing oppression, urging the government to reverse its “dangerous trend” and implement the new National Minimum Wage.
In another develoment, a global rights group, Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and detention of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement on Monday, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said with the attack on Ajaero, President Bola Tinubu is setting a new record of impunity.
Sanusi said, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS) today. The labour union leader must be immediately and unconditionally released.
“The arbitrary arrest of Joe Ajaero shows an escalating crackdown on human rights and restrictions on civic space by the government of President Bola Tinubu.
“President Bola Tinubu’s government persistently attacks and undermines the operations of the NLC, through fabricated allegations, raids on NLC headquarters and other forms of harassment and intimidation. This growing culture of impunity and disdain for workers’ rights to organize and seek better welfare must stop.
“President Tinubu is setting a new record of utter disregard for the rule of law.
