Following an emergency meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) on Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a stern warning to the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding the immediate release of its president, Joe Ajaero, by midnight on Tuesday.
Ajaero had been scheduled to attend and represent Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) gathering in the UK before he was detained at the Abuja airport. The NLC president was also summoned by the police in late August over accusations of terrorism financing, which he firmly denied, maintaining his innocence.
The NLC has mobilized its affiliates, state councils, and civil society partners, as well as called on patriotic Nigerians, to be on high alert due to what it termed a “disturbing development.” In a communique released after the NAC meeting, the union strongly condemned the “illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian State without any legal warrant or justification.”
According to the NLC, “Ajaero’s detention is a violation of workers’ rights and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.” The union demanded his immediate release, setting a deadline of midnight Tuesday for the DSS to act.
The communique continued, “Ajaero is neither a fugitive nor a criminal. His arrest is an act of intimidation meant to silence dissent and suppress the labour movement’s voice in Nigeria.” The union further called for the immediate reversal of the petrol price hike to N617 per litre.
The NLC has activated all its affiliated bodies, state councils, and civil society allies, warning that the detention of Ajaero represents an assault on the rights of all Nigerian workers and citizens to freely organize, protest, and express themselves. The union also emphasized that this move by the government could jeopardize the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.
“The NLC remains committed to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens, and it will not back down in its efforts to challenge any form of oppression,” the statement read. In light of the unfolding events, the NLC has called an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to strategize on how to confront the current situation.
TUC Condemns Ajaero’s Arrest
In a similar vein, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has denounced Ajaero’s detention. TUC President Festus Osifo expressed his dismay, labeling the arrest a violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of association and expression. According to Osifo, these rights are cornerstones of any democratic society.
He further noted, “This unjust arrest poses a dangerous threat not just to the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also to millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to advocate for their welfare.” Osifo called on the government to uphold democratic norms and the rule of law, urging it to prioritize dialogue over intimidation. The TUC reaffirmed its solidarity with the NLC and vowed to continue defending workers’ rights.
Amnesty International Slams Government’s Actions
Amnesty International also condemned the arrest and detention of Ajaero. Isa Sanusi, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s government is establishing a troubling record of impunity.
In a statement released on Monday, Sanusi said, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero by the DSS. His detention must end immediately and unconditionally.”
Sanusi further highlighted that this arrest underscores the government’s escalating crackdown on human rights and the civic space. He noted that the Tinubu administration has been increasingly targeting the NLC, with baseless accusations, raids, and other forms of harassment.
Amnesty International warned that President Tinubu is disregarding the rule of law and international human rights obligations. Sanusi stated that Nigeria is bound by international covenants, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protect the rights to peaceful assembly, association, and trade union activities. The country is also a member of the International Labour Organization, which mandates the right to organize.
Under these international human rights laws, the Nigerian government has a duty not only to respect but also to safeguard the rights of workers. “Ajaero’s arrest is solely due to his peaceful exercise of these rights. He must be released immediately,” Amnesty International concluded.
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