Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Following the arrest of its president, Joe Ajaero, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, by operatives of the Depratment of State Services (DSS) on Monday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commenced a closed-door meeting.
Ajaero was on his way to conference of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom when he was arrested.
NLC’s Head of Public Relations, Benson Upah, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja, said union will make its decision known after the closed-door meeting.
According to Upah, agents of the Nigerian state seized Ajaero without a legal warrant or formal instrument, adding that his whereabouts and health status are currently unknown.
The NLC has condemned the detention as a “brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation and demanded Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release.”
“The Congress has also called on the international community, human rights organisations, and democracy advocates to take note of the rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria.
“The NLC has put its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert and vowed to protect workers’ rights and not be cowed by oppressive tactics.
“The congress is currently holding a closed-door meeting to discuss the situation, and the outcome will be made public soon,” he added.
