The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued an ultimatum for the release of Joe Ajaero, its president, News About Nigeria reports.
Ajaero was on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a conference invitation by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain when he was abruptly “whisked away” by DSS operatives.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Abuja, the National Administrative Council of the NLC demanded Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release before “midnight today”.
The NLC condemned Ajaero’s detention as a brazen and illegal act, adding that he was detained without any legal warrant or justification.
The communiqué noted that Ajaero’s detention is a clear violation of his rights and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.
The NLC added that Ajaero was lawfully performing his duties as a labour leader.
The NLC said Ajaero’s detention was a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence the labour movement, suppressing workers’ and citizens’ rights to organise and express themselves freely.
The labour union demanded an immediate reversal of the recent fuel price hike to N617/litre and vowed to resist any attempts to trample on workers’ rights.
The NLC also condemned the federal government’s provocation, which threatens the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The labour union has scheduled NEC meeting for Tuesday at 9 am to determine a response if Ajaero is not released.
In the communique, the NLC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting workers’ rights and Nigerians’ freedom, condemning the federal government’s “dangerous trend of authoritarianism and lawlessness” that undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.
