Strike, protests loom as NLC locks horns with DSS over Ajaero’s arrest, issues red alert
…Maritime workers union condemn arrest, may shut down seaports
…TUC condemns arrest as ‘clear violations’ of democratic rights, demands immediate release
…Ajaero’s arrest not connected to police invitation — Falana
…PDP accuses Tinubu of using security operatives to silence critics
By Our Correspondents
A stormy showdown is brewing between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government, as the arrest of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS) sets off a firestorm of protests and strike threats.
In a release issued by the Deputy National President, Comrade Adeyanju Adewale on Monday, the National Administrative Council, NAC, of the NLC, described the arrest and detention of Joe Ajaero as unlawful and an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.
Ajaero was arrested by the DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Abuja en route to the United Kingdom where he was expected to address the Congress of Trade Union Congress,TUC, of Britain, representing Nigeria workers.
Meanwhile, the Union has placed all its affiliates, state unions,civil society allies and the general public on red alert to take compelling action by 09.00 hrs of September 10, 2024 (today) against the forces of retrogression if the government fails to release its National President Comrade Joe Ajaero.
…Maritime workers union condemn arrest of Ajaero, may shut down seaports
Also, the Nigerian Maritime Union (MWUN) has condemned the arrest of the president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Security Service (DSS) on Monday.
In a statement made available to Nigerian NewsDirecr, and signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media, MWUN, the union said it would comply with decisions taken by the NLC to ensure that its leader is released immediately.
MWUN stated: “The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, fnli, HFCPSP has kicked against the abduction of the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero by the security apparatus of the Nigerian state at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his invitation to attend workers Congress by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain.
“The NLC President was to address a global assembly of workers on behalf of the Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress of the United Kingdom (UK).
“It’s on public domain that Comrade Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive anywhere in the world, therefore, his arrest without warrant and detention is condemnable in its entirety. This unholy act of the state agents infringes on the fundamental human rights of the Congress’ President, who has been held incommunicado on Monday morning with no traces of his whereabouts.
“It’s also on record that Comrade Ajaero is a Nigerian citizen and not in any way a ‘wanted person’ by the Nigerian state; therefore, his abduction was just a deliberate act to humiliate, dehumanise him; and a wholesome act of intimidation of the Labour President, which by all measure is absolutely unjustifiable by the laws of the land.
“However, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), frowns over this ugly incident on the Congress’ President, whose rights have been extremely violated by the security agents of the state; hence, MWUN is calling for the immediate unconditional release of Ajaero, the NLC President.
“In view of the foregoing, the Union will have no other option if he’s not released but to comply with directives that may come from the Nigeria Labour Congress on this matter.”
…TUC condemns Ajaero’s arrest as ‘clear violations’ of democratic rights, demands immediate release
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly condemned the arrest of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, describing it as an unjust action and a clear violation of the right to freedom of association.
In a statement signed by TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, the union demanded Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, stressing that the arrest sets a dangerous precedent that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests.
“This unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society,” Osifo said.
“Congress firmly condemns the arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.”
The TUC president emphasised that the labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations and urged the government to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation over harassment.
“We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers,” Osifo said.
The union’s reaction comes on the heels of Ajaero’s arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, a development that has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from labour leaders and activists across the country.
In a related development, Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has clarified that the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS) is not connected to the earlier invitation by the Nigeria Police Force.
Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja while attempting to board a flight to the UK.
Falana stated that the police invitation was rescheduled last week and that the arrest by the DSS is unrelated.
“The invitation to Comrade Joe Ajaero by the police was rescheduled last week. I have contacted the police authorities. The arrest is not related to the police invitation,” Falana said.
He added that Ajaero was on his way to London to attend the ongoing TUC conference when he was arrested at the airport without any reason provided by the DSS.
…PDP accuses Tinubu of using security operatives to silence critics
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lambasted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the arrest of Nigerians, including the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by security operatives.
At a press conference in Abuja, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, blamed Tinubu for the arrests, stating, “There is a need for caution. There was a protest in this country, the government did not do anything. You arrest some people and say they were terrorists and you charge them to court. You say some people were the sponsors of the protest.”
Ologunagba accused the government of using draconian policies to silence critics, saying, “We know those who sponsored the protest. The sponsor is hungry. The President and his people should arrest hunger and there will be no problem. Let your draconian policies bring people to their knees. This is the season schools are resuming, we know what people are going through.”
In the same vein, The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has condemned the arrest of its General Secretary and President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement issued on Monday, NUEE Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, expressed concern over Ajaero’s detention while on his way to the United Kingdom on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress of Britain.
NUEE stated that Ajaero has been detained and treated like a fugitive, without access to his lawyers, families, and colleagues. The union described this act as intimidation and harassment, violating Ajaero’s fundamental rights and freedom as a Nigerian.
The union demanded Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, warning the government to desist from harassing labour leaders and Nigerian workers who speak out against economic hardship.
NUEE stressed that Ajaero represents Nigerian workers and the common man, and his arrest signifies trampling on the masses. The union called for Ajaero’s release, stating that an injury to him is an injury to all Nigerian workers and electricity employees.
“We demand unequivocal and unconditional release of Com. Joe Ajaero, without any harm meted to him. We are using this medium to put all our members on alert for further directives,” NUEE said.
