NLC Raises Alarm After Secret Meeting On Joe Ajaero’s DSS Arrest

According to reports, Ajaero was apprehended by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while preparing to travel to the UK on official business.

In response to his arrest, the NLC convened an urgent meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) to address the situation and strategize.

After the meeting, the NLC strongly condemned Ajaero’s arrest, describing it as an attack on all Nigerian workers. The union demanded Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release by midnight, stating that his detention was unjust.

A communiqué issued by NLC Deputy President Adeyanju Adewale outlined the resolutions from the meeting. It emphasized that all affiliates, state councils, and Nigerians were placed on red alert, noting that the arrest was an attempt to delay the implementation of the new minimum wage.

Additionally, the NLC called for an immediate reversal of the petrol price increase, which currently stands at ₦617 per litre.

To further address the issue, the union has scheduled an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) for tomorrow, September 10th. This meeting will focus on next steps and potential actions in response to the ongoing situation.

The NLC also warned the government against suppressing dissenting voices, reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights of workers and the freedom of all Nigerians.

The resolutions from the NLC’s emergency meeting are as follows:

• Immediate Release: The NLC demands the unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before midnight today.
• Petrol Price Reversal: The union insists on the immediate rollback of the petrol price to ₦617 per litre.
• Red Alert: All NLC affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and Nigerians have been placed on red alert.
• NEC Meeting: An emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) has been scheduled for 9:00 AM on September 10, 2024.