BREAKING: NLC summons emergency meeting over Ajaero’s arrest

In response to the detention of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the organization has convened an urgent closed-door meeting.

The arrest occurred as Ajaero was on his way to the United Kingdom for a global workers’ conference. Benson Upah, Head of Public Relations for the NLC, confirmed in an interview that Ajaero was apprehended by Nigerian state agents without a legal warrant or formal documentation.

The NLC has denounced the detention as a “brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation,” demanding Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release.

Upah emphasized the Congress’s call to the international community, human rights organizations, and democracy advocates to observe what they view as a troubling rise in authoritarianism in Nigeria.

Ajaero was scheduled to represent Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress in the UK, where he was expected to address key issues such as workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness.

“The NLC has activated its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies to stand firm in defending workers’ rights and resist oppressive tactics,” Upah stated.

“The Congress is currently deliberating on the situation in a closed-door meeting, and details of the outcome will be shared publicly soon.”

More details to follow…