Regina Otokpa 
…Ajaero to undergo medical checks to ensure health not compromised
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned the Federal Government against taking any further step aimed at muzzling organised labour from expressing its opinions and making legitimate demands.
The Deputy President of NLC, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju who again condemned the “unlawful arrest and detention” of Ajaero, noted that a comprehensive medical check would be carried out on him to ensure his health was not compromised in any way.
He said: “While we celebrate his release, the NLC remains vigilant. We will conduct a comprehensive medical check on Comrade Ajaero to ensure that his health has not been compromised as a result of the illegal and unjust treatment meted out to him.
“The well-being of our President is paramount, and we will not rest until we are assured that his health is intact.
“The arrest and detention of Comrade Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, while he was en route to represent Nigerian workers at the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain, is a stark reminder of the lengths to which the Nigerian State will go to silence the voice of labour and crush dissent.
“The NLC unequivocally condemns this reckless abuse of power and reaffirms our commitment to standing firm against all forms of oppression, intimidation, and lawlessness
“This attack on the NLC and its leadership is not just an attack on one individual; it is an assault on the fundamental rights of all Nigerian workers and citizens.
“The government’s actions are a threat to our freedom of movement, expression, and the right to organize and protest. We caution the Nigerian Government against further provocative actions aimed at undermining the labour movement and stifling legitimate demands, such as the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage. ”
Adeyanju expressed gratitude to Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), affiliates, and the international community for their support and massive solidarity which led to the release of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, one hour before the 12-midnight ultimatum issued by the NLC for his unconditional release.
“This overwhelming display of unity in defence of justice and workers’ rights reinforces the strength of collective action and underscores the unbreakable bond between the Nigerian people and the labour movement.”
Reiterating its commitment to ensure justice prevails and the rights of workers and citizens are respected, Congress has demanded the release of everyone arrested and detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance nationwide.
Congress also demanded immediate reversal in the hike in electricity and price of fuel, as well as immediate implementation of the new minimum wage already signed into law.
“We once again, demand the release of all citizens languishing in jails across the country for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protest around the country; stoppage of the massive clampdown on popular voices that espouse dissenting opinions; cessation of the muzzling of various fundamental freedoms currently going on in the country; the reversal of the hikes in the price of Petrol (PMS) and Electricity tariffs and, the immediate implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“The NLC will not waver in its duty to defend the rights of workers, and we remain prepared to take all necessary actions to protect these rights and restore justice.
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC which was proposed for today has therefore been suspended to assess the situation and determine the next steps in our collective struggle.
“We call on all Nigerians, our affiliates, and the international community to remain steadfast and vigilant as we continue this struggle. Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all.”
