The Trade Union Congress has strongly denounced the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services on Monday.
Ajaero, who was en route to the UK, remains detained with his whereabouts unknown.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, criticized the arrest as a violation of Ajaero’s fundamental rights to freedom of association and expression, essential for a democratic society.
The TUC demands Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for labour leaders and working-class Nigerians, according to Politics Nigeria.
The union urges President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment, reaffirming its commitment to defending Nigerian workers’ rights and dignity.
The TUC stands in solidarity with the NLC, emphasizing the importance of peaceful negotiations and respect for democratic norms.
“It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives,” Osifo continued.
“The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations,” he added.
The TUC further urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation rather than resorting to harassment of labour leaders.
Osifo stressed that the union stands in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.
“We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment.
“We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers,” the statement concluded.
