Immediate Release Demanded by NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its president, Joe Ajaero. Security agents detained Ajaero at Abuja’s airport while he was en route to the UK for a trade union conference.
Circumstances of Ajaero’s Arrest
Benson Upah, NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, reports that Ajaero’s whereabouts and condition are currently unknown, raising concerns. The union has denounced his detention as an unlawful act, perpetrated without any legal warrant and indicative of governmental intimidation.
NLC’s Strong Condemnation
The union publicly condemned the arrest, labeling it a “brazen act of lawlessness” and an attack on democratic rights. It described the arrest as a direct assault on the freedom of movement. Observers consider this arrest part of Nigeria’s government efforts to suppress dissent. They see it as a means to silence critics amid rising socio-economic tensions. This approach reflects the government’s strategy during a period of growing domestic instability.
Call to Action
The NLC has rallied its affiliates and civil society partners, urging them to demand Ajaero’s release and to alert international bodies about the rise in authoritarian tactics by the Nigerian government. This mobilization underscores the union’s resolve to fight what it perceives as an abuse of power targeting its leadership.
International and Domestic Reactions
The NLC’s statement has called upon the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates worldwide to witness and respond to the increasing authoritarian measures in Nigeria. They emphasize that this situation is a critical test of global commitment to human rights and democratic governance.
Ongoing Union Responses
Amid this crisis, the NLC’s leadership convenes in a closed-door meeting to determine further actions to inform the public and media. The union reaffirms its commitment to protecting workers’ rights throughout this ordeal. It remains steadfast, undeterred by state tactics aimed at weakening the labor movement. The NLC plans to communicate these decisions transparently to ensure public awareness. They insist on resisting any intimidation efforts by the government against the labor sector.
This confrontation highlights the ongoing struggle between Nigerian labor forces and the government, reflecting deeper issues of governance, human rights, and public policy in the country.
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