Updated: NLC Blows Hot “We Demand Immediate and Unconditional Release of Joe Ajaero Before Midnight”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a midnight deadline to the federal government, demanding the immediate release of its detained president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by 12am on Monday, September 9, 2024. The union warned that failure to comply would trigger another nationwide strike.

The call came following an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) held on Monday in Abuja. In a communique signed by NLC Deputy President, Comrade Adeyanju Adewale, the union instructed all affiliates and allies to be on high alert in preparation for potential mass action.

NLC and Allies Ready for Protest Over Ajaero’s Detention

The NLC condemned Ajaero’s arrest, calling it a dangerous sign of growing authoritarianism in Nigeria. The Labour leader was reportedly detained at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the UK to address the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) on key issues affecting Nigerian workers.

“The National Administrative Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian State without any legal warrant or justification,” the communique stated. The NLC maintains that Ajaero, who was carrying out his duties on behalf of Nigerian workers, had committed no crime to warrant his arrest, branding it an attack on workers’ rights and democracy.

NLC Prepares for National Strike

The union gave the government until midnight to release Ajaero, warning that his continued detention would not be tolerated. The communique emphasized that Ajaero is neither a criminal nor a fugitive, describing his arrest as an attempt to stifle dissent and silence the labour movement. The NLC further called for the immediate reversal of the recent hike in petrol prices to N617 per litre.

The Congress has instructed all its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies to prepare for action, declaring the detention as an affront not only to the NLC but to all Nigerian workers and citizens. The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and resisting any form of oppression.

Emergency NEC Meeting Scheduled

In response to the escalating crisis, an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) has been scheduled for 9am on Tuesday, where further directives will be issued to workers across the nation.

The union also renewed its call for the immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage, already signed into law. The NLC’s statement made it clear that the Congress will not back down in its efforts to protect workers’ rights and uphold the democratic principles of freedom and justice.

The federal government has yet to respond to these latest demands from the Labour Union.