UK TUC Condemns Arrest Of NLC President Joe Ajaero

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom has strongly condemned the Nigerian government over the arrest and ongoing harassment of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero.

Ajaero was detained on Monday at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while he was on his way to attend and speak at a TUC conference in the UK. He was released later that evening, but concerns persist about the continued intimidation and harassment he faces.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that a UK TUC leader, speaking at the event Ajaero was scheduled to attend, expressed outrage over his arrest.

The speaker described the detention as a violation of fundamental trade union rights, emphasizing the significance of Ajaero’s attendance at the conference.

“Joe was released last night, but it is clear that his ordeal is not yet over. His unlawful arrest is a gross violation of fundamental trade union freedoms, especially as he was on his way to speak to us about the vital right of trade unions to seek solidarity,” the speaker said.

The UK TUC leader went on to criticize the Nigerian government’s actions, calling for an end to the persecution of Ajaero and other labour leaders. “Nigeria’s trade unions still have our solidarity. We condemn the actions of the Nigerian government and demand that they cease their persecution of Joe Ajaero,” the speaker added.

Ajaero’s detention also prevented him from participating in an International Trade Union Congress meeting in the UK.

His arrest has been linked to inquiries into alleged terrorism financing involving a British national named Andrew Wynne.

During his detention, Ajaero was subjected to extensive questioning not only by the DSS but also by police officers.

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According to Ajaero, the interrogation focused on his alleged involvement in the financing of terrorism and his connections to the #EndBadGovernance protests that swept across the nation in August.

Despite his release, he noted that the secret police have seized his travel passport.

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