A global human rights organization, Amnesty International, has condemned the arrest and detention of President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement released today, Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, expressed that President Bola Tinubu is establishing a new precedent of impunity with the attack on Ajaero.
According to the NLC, Ajaero was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the United Kingdom for an official assignment. He was scheduled to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which commenced today (Monday).
Sanusi stated, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by the DSS today. He must be released immediately and unconditionally.
“The arbitrary detention of Joe Ajaero reflects a growing crackdown on human rights and limitations on civic space under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“This government has consistently attacked and undermined the NLC’s operations through baseless accusations, raids on its headquarters, and various forms of harassment and intimidation. This escalating culture of impunity and disregard for workers’ rights to organize and advocate for better conditions must come to an end.
“President Tinubu is demonstrating a profound disregard for the rule of law.
“Over the past year, Amnesty International has noted an increasing repression by Nigerian authorities against labor unions and civic spaces. The police and DSS continue to be weaponized to suppress the human rights of Nigerians.
“Nigeria is a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, including participation in trade unions. Additionally, Nigeria is a member of the International Labour Organization, which mandates fundamental principles, including the right to organize.
“According to international human rights law, workers cannot be targeted for engaging in trade union activities. The Nigerian authorities are obligated not only to respect workers’ rights but also to safeguard these rights from violations.
“Joe Ajaero has been arrested solely for peacefully exercising his human rights and must be released immediately and unconditionally,” the statement concluded.
