The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has voiced strong opposition to the arrest of Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), which reportedly took place on Monday.
In a statement, the TUC described the arrest as “a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression,” fundamental to any democratic society.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo, the TUC firmly condemned the detention of the NLC leader and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
“This arrest sets a dangerous precedence that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests,” Osifo said.
“It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations.
“We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.“
