Following the release of Joe Ajaero, after he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to conduct comprehensive medical checks on its president.
Ajaero was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the United Kingdom for a conference on workers’ rights and social justice.
In a statement issued by NLC Deputy President Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the organization expressed gratitude to Nigerians, civil society groups, affiliates, and the international community for their support during what they described as Ajaero’s “illegal arrest and detention.” The statement underscored the importance of collective action in defending justice and workers’ rights.
Ajaero’s release followed intense pressure from the NLC and compliance with the demands of the National Administrative Council (NAC). As a precaution, the NLC stated that medical checks will be conducted to ensure that Ajaero’s health has not been compromised during his detention.
The NLC strongly condemned the arrest, calling it a “reckless abuse of power” and reaffirming its commitment to resisting oppression, intimidation, and lawlessness. According to the NLC, the arrest of Ajaero is viewed as an attack on the fundamental rights of all Nigerian workers and citizens.
Additionally, the NLC has called for the release of citizens detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests, an end to the suppression of dissenting voices, and the reversal of recent hikes in petrol and electricity tariffs. The organization is also pushing for the immediate implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
In light of Ajaero’s arrest and other recent developments, the NLC has suspended its National Executive Council meeting to assess the situation and determine the next steps in its collective struggle. The organization urged Nigerians, its affiliates, and the international community to remain vigilant and united in the fight for justice and workers’ rights.
