From Atiku Sarki Abuja
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), has demanded the unconditional release of the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who was arrested in the early hours of today by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.
The Triumph reports that Ajaero was arrested at the Airport by the DSS while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend the Trade Union Congress meeting, where critical discussions on workers’ rights, social justice and economic fairness are discussed.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has, in totality, condemned the arrest and demanded his immediate release.
In a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Monday in Abuja by the president of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo said, “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has received with grave concern the news of the arrest of the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) earlier today.
“This unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.
“Congress firmly condemns the arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. This arrest sets a dangerous precedence that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests
“It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations.
“We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers,” he concluded.
