The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has criticised the arrest of Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), describing it as an infringement on his rights, News About Nigeria reports.
Earlier today, Benson Upah, spokesperson for the NLC, announced that Ajaero was “whisked away” by DSS agents while en route to the UK, where he was invited by the British TUC.
Reacting to the incident via a statement, Festus Osifo, TUC president, declared that Ajaero’s arrest constitutes an “unjust action that represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.”
“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has received with grave concern the news of the arrest of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) earlier today,” the statement reads.
“This unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.”
The TUC equally demanded Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release.
Osifo warned that this arrest sets a perilous precedent, threatening not only the labour movement’s leadership but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions for representation and protection.
He said that the federal government should prioritise dialogue over harassment.
“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” he said.
The TUC urged the Nigerian government to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation over harassment, reaffirming their commitment to defending Nigerian workers’ rights and dignity.