NLC calls for the release of its President, enters closed-door meeting

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Monday convened an emergency closed-door meeting following the arrest of its National President, Joe Ajaero.

Daily Intel Newspaper reported that operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, arrested Ajaero at the Abuja airport on his way to the United Kingdom to attend the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of Britain.

While reacting to the development, a statement by NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, said “The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state.

“Once again, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero and the cessation of all forms of harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class including innocent citizens who hold dissenting opinions.

“We equally demand that the state frees all Nigerians languishing in various prisons around the country for exercising their democratic rights to protest in the #EndBadGovernance rallies around the country.

“Finally, the Organs of the Congress are in a closed-door meeting whose outcome will be made available to the public.”