Following the detention of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian government, the NLC has convened a closed-door meeting to address the situation.
Ajaero was reportedly detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a global workers’ gathering.
Benson Upah, Head of Public Relations at NLC, stated in an interview that Ajaero was detained without a legal warrant or formal instrument, and his current whereabouts and health status remain unknown.
The NLC has condemned the detention as an act of “lawlessness and intimidation” and demanded his immediate release.
The Congress has called on the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to take note of what it describes as a “rising wave of authoritarianism” in Nigeria.
Ajaero was scheduled to address the Trade Union Congress in the UK on issues related to workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.
The NLC has placed its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on high alert and vowed not to be intimidated by oppressive actions. The results of the ongoing closed-door meeting will be made public soon, according to Upah.
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