The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on administrative bail. His release, which occurred on Monday night, was confirmed by pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore.
In a tweet posted on Monday, Sowore announced, “BREAKING: The fascist regime of @officialABAT has released the @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero from @OfficialDSSNG custody on bail.”
Sowore’s message highlighted the widespread concerns regarding Ajaero’s detention.
Ajaero was apprehended on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while he was preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. His arrest sparked immediate outrage from numerous organizations, civil society groups, activists, and prominent individuals who called for his immediate release.
The NLC strongly condemned Ajaero’s arrest, describing it as a blatant violation of workers’ rights and democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the NLC’s National Administrative Council, led by Deputy President Adeyanju Adewale, expressed its anger over the situation, calling Ajaero’s detention “brazen and illegal.”
The council further demanded Ajaero’s release, issuing an ultimatum for his freedom by midnight on Monday. The NLC warned that failure to comply would result in significant consequences, though they did not specify what actions might follow.
Ajaero’s arrest and subsequent release have drawn significant attention, with many viewing the incident as an attempt to stifle dissent and undermine the rights of workers in Nigeria. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the NLC and other labor organizations to see how they respond to the events that have unfolded.