The Department of State Services (DSS) has released the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, on administrative bail, following widespread condemnation of his arrest.
Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom for an official engagement.
Pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, broke the news of Ajaero’s release on Twitter, saying: “BREAKING: The fascist regime of @officialABAT has released the @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero from @OfficialDSSNG custody on bail.”
The NLC had condemned Ajaero’s arrest, describing it as “brazen and illegal” and a clear violation of workers’ rights and democratic values. In a statement issued on Monday evening, the NLC’s National Administrative Council, led by Deputy President, Adeyanju Adewale, called for Ajaero’s prompt and unconditional release. The council had issued an ultimatum, demanding Ajaero’s release by midnight on Monday.
Ajaero’s release comes after numerous organisations, civil society groups, activists, and prominent individuals denounced his arrest and demanded his immediate release. The labour union’s swift response and the public outcry that followed are seen as a testament to the power of collective action in defending democratic values and human rights.
With Ajaero’s release, the NLC can now focus on its ongoing campaigns for workers’ rights and social justice. However, the incident has raised concerns about the government’s willingness to respect the rights of labour leaders and activists, and the need for continued vigilance in defending democracy and human rights in Nigeria.
