UK’s TUC Criticizes Nigerian Government for Ajaero’s Arrest
The UK’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) has criticized the Nigerian government for the illegal arrest and mistreatment of Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Ajaero was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while heading to speak at the TUC conference in the UK. Although he was released last night, there are still concerns about the harassment and intimidation he is facing.
In a video shared by Vanguard, the UK TUC urged the Nigerian government to stop its actions against labor leaders. At the conference, a TUC leader mentioned that while Joe was freed, his troubles were not over yet, calling his arrest a clear violation of basic union rights. He noted that Ajaero was on his way to discuss the important right of unions to seek support and solidarity.
The speaker reassured Nigerian unions of the UK’s continued support and condemned the Nigerian government’s actions, demanding an end to the persecution of Joe Ajaero.
Because of his detention, Ajaero missed an important International Trade Union Congress meeting in the UK. There are speculations that his arrest could be linked to his refusal to respond to undercover police or a complaint from an airline operator.
The Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s secret police, has remained silent on the matter, sticking to their new approach of limited communication.
Watch Video:
Video: Ajaero’s unlawful arrest is a gross violation of trade union freedoms – UK’s TUC pic.twitter.com/rGSI8Dx4gA
— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) September 10, 2024
