Union’s Strong Condemnation
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has strongly opposed the arrest of NLC President Joe Ajaero by the DSS. This incident happened as Ajaero was about to leave for the UK to attend a congress. He was invited by the Trade Union Congress of Britain for this event. His arrest prevented his planned participation at the international workers’ assembly. The DSS detained him during his preparation for departure at the airport.
Rights and Violations Highlighted
John Ikemefuna, MWUN’s Head of Media, released a statement outlining the union’s position on Ajaero’s unjust arrest. He emphasized that the arrest severely violated Ajaero’s fundamental human rights. “The arrest and secretive detention of Ajaero are completely condemnable,” Ikemefuna stated. He noted this as a major overreach by the security forces.
International Engagement Interrupted
The statement further explained that Ajaero had scheduled to represent Nigerian workers at an international workers’ assembly in the UK. His detention abruptly halted this engagement, which the union argues happened without a proper warrant and lacked transparency about Ajaero’s whereabouts.
Public and Legal Repercussions
The maritime workers stated that Ajaero’s arrest violates his rights, dehumanizes him, and intimidates others in the labor movement. They describe the action as a deliberate attempt by authorities to suppress labor leadership in Nigeria.
MWUN’s Call for Immediate Action
MWUN is now calling for Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, stressing the injustice of the situation. They warned of potential compliance with NLC directives, which could lead to significant industrial action if demands are not quickly met.
Ongoing Coverage and Community Response
The situation continues to develop, with significant attention from both national and international labor organizations. The union’s firm stance and the potential for widespread labor disruption highlight the serious implications of this arrest on labor relations and civil liberties in Nigeria.
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