The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, was released late on Monday following his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS). His detention, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as he prepared to travel to London for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference, ignited widespread condemnation and outrage across the country. The arrest of the prominent labour leader, who has been at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights, has raised concerns about civil liberties and the broader implications for democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
Arrest and Release
Comrade Joe Ajaero was detained by the DSS while en route to London to attend a critical Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference. His arrest was reportedly sudden and unexplained, occurring as the secret police simultaneously targeted the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil society organization that had been calling for a reversal of the recent fuel price hike in Nigeria. After hours of uncertainty and national outcry, Ajaero was released at around 11:10 p.m. on Monday.
The labour leader’s arrest is particularly controversial due to its timing and the lack of a clear explanation from the DSS. The arrest occurred 11 days after Ajaero responded to an invitation from the Nigerian Police Force regarding an investigation into allegations of criminal intimidation and potential threats to public peace. Legal experts and labour activists have been quick to dismiss any connection between this investigation and the actions of the DSS.
Legal and Public Reactions
The legal advisor to the NLC, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, condemned the arrest, stating that Ajaero’s detention had no connection to the police investigation. According to Falana, the DSS provided no reason for arresting Ajaero at the airport, further heightening tensions and suspicions of foul play.
The NLC also refuted claims that Ajaero had failed to honor any invitations from the DSS or other security agencies. Mr. Benson Upah, Head of Information at the NLC, described reports that Ajaero had ignored invitations as “mischief,” asserting that the labour leader had commitments to address before attending an upcoming police interview.
Amid these legal complexities, Air Peace, a prominent Nigerian airline, was drawn into the controversy after rumors circulated that Ajaero’s arrest might be linked to a previous dispute between the airline and the NLC. In response, Air Peace clarified that although they had submitted a petition against the NLC in 2023, the issue had long been resolved, and their petition had been withdrawn.
Widespread Condemnation
The arrest of Comrade Ajaero provoked a wave of condemnation from various quarters. Trade unions, civil society organizations, political parties, and human rights groups all denounced the DSS action, calling for Ajaero’s immediate release and cautioning the government against violating workers’ rights.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) expressed outrage over Ajaero’s treatment, calling it an act of intimidation aimed at silencing the labour movement. NUEE placed its members on high alert, ready to mobilize if the situation escalated further.
Similarly, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), which has a significant stake in the country’s critical maritime sector, condemned the arrest. MWUN warned that it would follow directives from the NLC if Ajaero was not released promptly, signaling potential disruptions in the maritime industry.
NLC’s Stance and Ultimatum
In response to Ajaero’s detention, the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC held an emergency meeting and issued a strong communiqué. The council condemned the “brazen and illegal detention” of the NLC president, declaring it an attack on the democratic rights of Nigerian workers. The NLC demanded Ajaero’s immediate release and issued a midnight ultimatum to the government.
The council described Ajaero’s arrest as an affront to the principles of freedom of movement and expression, core pillars of democracy. According to the NLC, the labour leader was lawfully fulfilling his duties and had committed no crime that would warrant such drastic action by the state.
In addition to calling for Ajaero’s release, the NLC put its affiliates and civil society partners on alert for mass mobilization. The council vowed to escalate its opposition to the government’s policies, particularly the recent hike in fuel prices, which has already strained relations between labour unions and the government.
Civil Society and Political Responses
Civil society organizations also expressed their dismay over the arrest. The United Action Front of Civil Society (UAFCS) characterized the DSS’s action as a dangerous “show of force” and warned of potential mass resistance and civil disobedience. UAFCS argued that Ajaero’s arrest was not only an attack on the NLC but also a broader attempt to suppress dissent and civic engagement in Nigeria.
Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) joined the chorus of condemnation, describing the incident as a violation of civil liberties. They urged the government to respect the rule of law and release Ajaero without conditions.
TUC and Political Reactions
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also voiced its concern, describing the arrest as a violation of the right to freedom of association and expression. TUC President Festus Osifo noted that the arrest represented a dangerous precedent, threatening not just labour leaders but also the millions of working-class Nigerians they represent.
In the political arena, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the DSS for overstepping its bounds, with some party officials accusing the government of attempting to intimidate opposition voices and suppress legitimate dissent.
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Written By Joe Brens