Within two hours of NLC chairman Joe Ajaero’s arrest over a lack of belief in emotional talks, the country is headed for a tale about what democracy should be – an intimidation saga, lawlessness, and the unrelenting quest for freedom.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the shocking arrest of their president, Joe Ajaero, today at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by security operatives. They took him away without a warrant, hence why this union has alerted its affiliates, state councils, and Nigerian workers to remain on high alert and exercise caution.
Ajaero’s arrest has been described by the NLC as “an unequivocal indication of how bad lawlessness has become in Nigeria under the government and its agencies” because they don’t want any dissenting voice or opposition to talk back. It was added that he has not been declared wanted by any lawful body, including the police, hence his detention is illegal and is considered open intimidation.
The NLC, therefore, requested Ajaero’s immediate release unconditionally; also, it drew the attention of the international society, human rights groups, as well as democracy advocates concerning the escalating autocracy in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the Congress remains absolute in protecting workers’ rights and would not be cowed by oppressive tactics.
Recently, the development has seen the NLC gearing up for a nationwide confrontation with government economic policies that have brought untold suffering and pain to the people. The Congress will not fold its arms while its leaders’ rights and members’ terms of employment are being trampled on.
