The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has been granted administrative bail after being detained for several hours by the Department of State Services (DSS). Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and was held in detention, sparking widespread concern across the country. His arrest prompted protests from the NLC and human rights activists who condemned the detention as illegal and an act of intimidation.
The DSS, Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, released Ajaero on Monday evening, confirming that the NLC president had been granted administrative bail. This decision followed several hours of detention that left the country’s labour unions and civil society organizations on high alert.
The NLC, through its spokesperson Benson Upah, issued a strong statement condemning Ajaero’s arrest, asserting that no legal warrant was issued for his detention. The union described the action as a “brazen act of lawlessness” aimed at silencing dissent, especially as the union has been vocal about the Nigerian government’s economic policies and their impact on workers and citizens.
Key Reactions:
- NLC Statement: The NLC emphasized that Ajaero is not a fugitive and condemned his detention as an affront to democratic and human rights. The union warned that the government’s actions could lead to a broader confrontation with Nigeria’s working class and civil society.
- Human Rights Activists: Activists, including Omoyele Sowore, leader of the #RevolutionNow movement, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a fascist regime. Sowore took to social media, confirming Ajaero’s release and calling for sustained protests against bad governance in Nigeria.
- Legal Action: Barrister Marshal Abubakar, a lawyer from Femi Falana Chambers, facilitated Ajaero’s bail. Falana’s legal team has long been involved in defending citizens and activists against government clampdowns, further amplifying concerns over the state of civil liberties in Nigeria.
Public Outcry and Support for Ajaero:
Several human rights organizations and labour unions have rallied in support of Ajaero, with calls for international attention on what they describe as a growing wave of authoritarianism under the Tinubu administration. The NLC also urged its affiliates and civil society allies to remain vigilant, warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Context and Background:
Ajaero’s arrest followed his outspoken criticism of the government’s economic policies, particularly the recent increases in fuel prices and the subsequent economic hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians. The NLC has been at the forefront of protests and labour strikes to push for policy reversals and better welfare for workers.
As the situation unfolds, the NLC has called for the unconditional release of Ajaero and other Nigerians detained for exercising their right to protest, including those involved in the #EndBadGovernance rallies. The labour union is reportedly in a closed-door meeting to decide its next action.
International Response:
The NLC’s statement urged the international community to take note of the rising authoritarianism in Nigeria. The union called on human rights organizations and democracy advocates to monitor the situation closely and intervene where necessary.
This incident is likely to heighten tensions between the government and labour unions as Nigeria grapples with economic challenges and increasing political dissent.
