The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened an emergency closed-door meeting on Monday in response to the arrest of its National President, Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while en route to the United Kingdom to attend the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain.
In a statement, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah condemned the arrest, asserting the union’s commitment to defending workers’ rights. The statement read in part: “The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state.”
Upah further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero and called for an end to the harassment of labour leaders and citizens holding dissenting opinions. The NLC also urged the release of Nigerians detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The outcome of the NLC’s closed-door meeting is expected to be made public soon.
