The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a Monday midnight deadline to unconditionally release its President, Joe Ajaero, or face dire consequences. Ajaero was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the United Kingdom.
In a communiqué signed by NLC Deputy President, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the NLC condemned Ajaero’s detention, describing it as “brazen and illegal” and an “affront to the rights of workers and democratic principles.” The NLC demands Ajaero’s immediate release, warning that his detention is an attack on the labor movement’s voice in Nigeria.
The NLC has fixed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for Tuesday at 9 am to take appropriate action if Ajaero is not released. The Congress has also placed its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert, urging them to be prepared to defend their rights.
Additionally, the NLC demands the reversal of the current hike in petrol price to N617/Litre and the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage, which has been signed into law. The Congress warns that it will not relent in its efforts to oppose all forms of oppression and defend the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens.
