Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has extended its heartfelt gratitude to all Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), its esteemed affiliates, and international community for the unwavering support and massive solidarity shown during the “unlawful arrest and detention” of its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian State.
Gatekeepers News reports that NLC did this through a statement released by the Deputy President of the organidation, Adewale Adeyanju.
The organisation said the overwhelming display of unity in defense of justice and workers’ rights reinforces the strength of collective action and underscores the unbreakable bond between Nigerian people and the labor movement.
NLC revealed that Joe Ajaero was released late Monday night, at approximately 11:00 PM, following intense pressure mounted by NLC and in compliance with the demands issued by National Administrative Council
(NAC) of the organisation.
According to the organisation; NAC had given the government a firm ultimatum, with a deadline of midnight, to release Comrade Ajaero, whose detention was a clear violation of their rights and an affront to the principles of democracy.
NLC noted that it will remain vigilant and conduct a comprehensive medical check on its president to ensure that his health has not
been compromised as a result of the “illegal and unjust treatment meted out to him.”
It added, “The well-being of our President is paramount, and we will not rest until we are
assured that his health is intact.”
“The arrest and detention of Comrade Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International
Airport in Abuja, while he was en-route to represent Nigerian workers at the Trade
Union Congress (TUC) of Britain, is a stark reminder of the lengths to which the
Nigerian State will go to silence the voice of labour and crush dissent.”
NLC condemned the reckless abuse of power and reaffirmed its commitment to standing firm against all forms of oppression, intimidation, and lawlessness.
The statement added, “attack on the NLC and its leadership is not just an attack on one individual; it is an assault on the fundamental rights of all Nigerian workers and citizens. The
government’s actions are a threat to our freedom of movement, expression, and the
right to organize and protest.”
NLC further caution Nigerian Government against further provocative actions aimed at undermining the labour movement and stifling
legitimate demands, such as the implementation of the new National Minimum
Wage.
It also demanded the release of all citizens languishing in jails across the country for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protest around the country; stoppage of massive clampdown on popular voices that espouse dissenting opinions; cessation of muzzling of various fundamental freedoms
currently going on in the country; the reversal of the hikes in the price of Petrol
(PMS) and Electricity tariffs, the release of all the President’s travel documents
withheld by the state.
NLC emphasised that it will not waver in its duty to defend the rights of workers, and remains prepared to take all necessary actions to protect these rights and restore justice.
The organisation noted that its National Executive Council (NEC) which was proposed for today has been suspended to assess the situation and determine the next steps in
NLC collective struggle.
NLC all Nigerians, our affiliates, and the international community to remain
steadfast and vigilant as they continue this fight.
The statement concluded, “NLC is committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of workers and citizens are respected.”
“Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all.”
