- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Labour Congress has ordered the release of its President, Joe Ajaero, before 12 midnight.
This was contained in a communique issued by the Congress’ Deputy President, Adeyanju Adewale.
Sequel to the arrest of Ajaero earlier today by the Department of State Service while on trip to the UK earlier today, NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) held an emergency meeting.
The outcome of the meeting saw the NAC condemning Ajaero’s detention while ordering for the release of their leader before 12am.
As stated in the communique, NAC reiterated that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive or a criminal while stressing that his detention is an act of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and stiffling the labour movement’s voice in Nigeria.
They also demanded for the reversal of fuel price hike.
“After extensive deliberation, the NAC resolved as follows:
“The Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian State without any legal warrant of justification.
“The NLC notes with grace concern that Comrade Ajaero was lawfully discharging his duties to represent Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense warranting such action.
“His detention is an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.
“The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today.
“The Council reiterates that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive or a criminal, and his detention is an act of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and stifling the labor movement’s vocie in Nigeria.
“NAC also demands the immediate reversal of the current hike in the price of petrol to N617/Litre.
Meanwhile, NLC placed NLC affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies, and Nigerians on red alert while affirming their commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens.
They, however, announced another emergency meeting which slated to hold on Tuesday by 9am.