New details have emerged regarding the circumstances that led to the release of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero. His release was reportedly the result of intense pressure from labour unions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international bodies.
Ajaero had been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the United Kingdom. He was scheduled to attend and speak at the Congress of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain, representing Nigerian workers in critical discussions about workers’ rights and social justice.
Labour Unions on the Brink of a Nationwide Strike
According to sources within the NLC, preparations for a nationwide strike had been fully finalized. The strike only awaited formal approval from the National Executive Council (NEC), which had scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. to endorse and declare the action.
“All critical sector unions were mobilized and ready to launch a full-scale strike yesterday unless the NLC President was released unconditionally,” said one source.
Various groups, including civil society organizations, had also issued stern warnings, threatening severe consequences if Ajaero was not freed.
International Pressure on Nigerian Government
It was further revealed that trade unions across the globe had begun lobbying their governments to take diplomatic actions against Nigeria. These efforts were based on concerns over human rights abuses and the persecution of union leaders.
Notable among the international organizations rallying behind Ajaero were Public Service International (PSI), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and IndustriALL Global Union (IGU).
Ajaero Released Before Deadline
Ajaero was eventually released just before midnight, meeting the deadline that labour unions had set for his unconditional release. His detention had escalated tensions both locally and internationally, raising concerns about the government’s handling of labour leaders.
Ajaero’s Ordeal
Speaking exclusively to Vanguard after his release, Ajaero recounted his experience with the DSS and other security agencies.
“It seemed as though the DSS arrested me on behalf of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Police. While in detention, IRT operatives interrogated me and took my statement. The DSS did the same. I don’t understand why they had to subject me to such public embarrassment,” he said.
Ajaero further noted that the same IRT officials who questioned him had previously met with him and human rights lawyer Femi Falana on August 29, 2024, where he was asked similar questions.
His arrest and detention sparked outrage and nearly brought the country to a standstill, with labour unions poised for a nationwide strike in protest. However, with his release, the imminent strike was averted, at least for now.
