The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is currently having a closed-door meeting after the arrest of its President, Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was detained by the Nigerian government while traveling to the United Kingdom for a global workers’ meeting.
Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Public Relations, confirmed the news during an interview on Monday. He stated that Ajaero was taken without any legal papers or warrants, and his current location and health are unknown.
The labour union has condemned Ajaero’s arrest, calling it an act of lawlessness and intimidation. The NLC is demanding his immediate release without any conditions.
“The Congress has also called on the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to take note of the rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria,” Upah said.
Upah also mentioned that the NLC is urging the international community, human rights groups, and democracy advocates to pay attention to the increasing level of authoritarianism in Nigeria.
Ajaero was scheduled to speak at the Trade Union Congress in the UK on important issues like workers’ rights, social justice, and fair economic practices.
Upah added that the NLC has alerted its members, state councils, and civil society allies to stay vigilant, and vowed not to back down from defending workers’ rights. The outcome of the ongoing secret meeting will be shared with the public soon.
