Following the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero by Nigerian state agents, the NLC has launched a closed-door meeting to address the situation. Ajaero was detained while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a global workers’ summit.
Benson Upah, Head of Public Relations for the NLC, revealed in an interview that Ajaero was seized without any legal warrant, and his current location and health status remain unknown. The NLC condemned the action as an act of “lawlessness and intimidation” and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
“The Congress has also called on the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to take note of the rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria,” Upah stated.
Ajaero was scheduled to represent Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress in the UK, where he was set to address issues such as workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.
The NLC has alerted its affiliates and civil society partners to remain vigilant and committed to protecting workers’ rights, vowing not to bow to oppressive government tactics.
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