The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has strongly condemned the arrest of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and demanded his unconditional release.
In a statement signed by TUC President, Festus Osifo, the union described Ajaero’s arrest as “unjust” and a “clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.”
Osifo said, “The Congress firmly condemns the arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. This arrest sets a dangerous precedence that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests.”
He further stated, “It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations. We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment.”
Osifo also reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers, saying, “We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.”
Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment. He was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.
