The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom has condemned the federal government over Monday’s arrest and detention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.
He was billed to attend the British Trade Union Congress’ (TUC) conference in London, which started yesterday.
Ajaero was, however, released on bail around 11.25pm by the Department of State Security (DSS) a few minutes to the midnight ultimatum issued by the unionists.
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The UK TUC, which demanded an immediate halt to the harassment of Ajaero and other labour leaders, expressed outrage at the arrest of NLC President by the DSS.
In a viral video seen by Pulse Nigeria, the TUC described Ajaero’s arrest as blatant intimidation and a violation of trade union’s freedom.
The body noted that despite the release, concerns remain over his safety and continued persecution.
“Joe was released last night, but it is clear that his ordeal is not yet over,” the statement read.
The UK TUC stressed that the arrest infringed on fundamental trade union rights, especially the right to seek solidarity from international colleagues.
“Nigeria’s trade unions still have our solidarity,” the TUC stated firmly, adding, “We condemn the actions of the Nigerian government and demand that they end their persecution of Joe Ajaero.”
In a swift reaction, the Presidency yesterday described claims of human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria as false.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement, said the Nigerian government was “wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.”
The presidency, which said Ajaero considered himself above the law, added that “His actions have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria.”
The presidential aide said, “under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation. Like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the Constitution.
“We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, trade union leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.
“We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation.”
While reacting yesterday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged President Tinubu’s administration and security agencies to concentrate their intimidation tactics towards the real perpetrators of violence, the terrorists and bandits.
Atiku, in a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, also accused the present administration of oppression of the people, alleging that the level of oppressive control by the present administration surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.
Daily Trust learnt that the Department of State Services (DSS) has released the passport of Ajaero.
Some of labour leaders, who confided in our correspondent on Tuesday in Abuja, said the secret police did not find anything incriminating against Ajaero.
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