1 week ago
52
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigerian government’s actions regarding the arrest and harassment of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.
Naija News reported that Ajaero was apprehended on Monday at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while on his way to speak at the TUC conference in the UK.
Although he was released later that evening, concerns remain over the continued harassment and intimidation he faces.
In a video shared by Vanguard, the UK TUC urged the Nigerian government to end its crackdown on labour leaders.
A UK TUC leader, speaking at the event Ajaero was supposed to attend, said: “Joe was released last night, but it is clear that his ordeal is not yet over. His unlawful arrest is a gross violation of fundamental trade union freedoms, especially as he was on his way to speak to us about the vital right of trade unions to seek solidarity.”
The speaker reaffirmed the UK TUC’s support for Nigerian unions, stating, “Nigeria’s trade unions still have our solidarity. We condemn the actions of the Nigerian government and demand that they cease their persecution of Joe Ajaero.”
Ajaero’s detention also prevented him from participating in an International Trade Union Congress meeting in the UK.
His arrest has been linked to inquiries into alleged terrorism financing involving a British national named Andrew Wynne.
During his detention, Ajaero was subjected to extensive questioning not only by the DSS but also by police officers.
According to Ajaero, the interrogation focused on his alleged involvement in the financing of terrorism and his connections to the #EndBadGovernance protests that swept across the nation in August.
Despite his release, he noted that the secret police have seized his travel passport.
See video below:
English (US) ·