In a development that has drawn significant attention, the Department of State Services (DSS) has released Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), after his brief detention. According to reliable sources from both the DSS headquarters and labour circles, Ajaero was freed on bail late at night, following the submission of a formal statement.
Ajaero’s release comes on the heels of mounting pressure from the NLC, which had threatened to mobilize its affiliate unions for a nationwide industrial action if the labour leader was not released by midnight, Monday, September 9, into Tuesday, September 10.
The NLC President was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a global Trade Union Congress meeting. His sudden arrest led to immediate backlash from labour unions and related organizations. In a strong statement issued by the NLC, the Congress warned that it would not sit idle while the rights of its members and leaders were infringed upon.
Benson Upah, the NLC spokesperson, made it clear that the Congress would respond decisively if Ajaero was not released promptly. "We demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Ajaero," Upah said.
Ajaero's detention sparked serious discussions within the labour movement, with credible sources suggesting that the NLC had begun rallying its affiliates to prepare for a large-scale showdown with the federal government. This swift action signified the gravity of the situation, especially considering the crucial role the NLC plays in representing the interests of Nigerian workers.
Had Ajaero remained in custody, the nation could have faced widespread strikes, further complicating the already tense relationship between the federal government and organized labour.
Despite the public uproar, the DSS has remained tight-lipped regarding the reasons for Ajaero’s arrest and subsequent detention. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the Secret Police to explain the circumstances surrounding the labour leader’s apprehension.
Ajaero's release has temporarily diffused the tension between the NLC and the federal government, but the incident raises concerns about the increasing friction between labour unions and state security agencies. As the dust settles, many are watching closely to see how the government and the DSS will handle future engagements with labour leaders. Will this be an isolated incident, or a sign of deeper unrest between the state and organized labour? Only time will tell.