The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has categorically denied reports that its President, Joe Ajaero, was invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) prior to his arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on September 9th. Ajaero was detained while traveling to London for a conference hosted by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the UK. His sudden arrest sparked public outrage and led to widespread speculation about the reasons behind the DSS’s actions. In response to these reports, the NLC has issued a detailed statement to clear the air and “set the record straight.”
Following the arrest, the DSS claimed that Ajaero had ignored an earlier invitation for questioning, which allegedly led to his being placed on a watch list. The Nigerian government also commented on the situation, stating that “no one is above the law,” and that Ajaero should have honored the invitation from the security agency. This narrative began circulating widely, painting Ajaero as having deliberately snubbed the DSS.
The public outcry that followed the arrest was immense, with many questioning the necessity of detaining Ajaero at the airport. As president of the NLC, the largest labor organization in Nigeria, Ajaero’s arrest was viewed as a significant move, especially given the role of the NLC in advocating for workers’ rights and engaging with the government on various national issues.
In a statement issued by the NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, the union refuted the DSS’s narrative, calling it “untrue and mischievous.” Upah explained that at no point was Ajaero invited by the DSS for questioning. He clarified that Ajaero had previously met with the Director-General (DG) of the DSS in a courtesy visit and had discussed future engagements with the agency. Following that meeting, a director in the DSS contacted the NLC’s General Secretary to arrange another courtesy visit. However, the General Secretary indicated that such a meeting would not be possible until after September 13th due to scheduling conflicts.
The NLC’s statement emphasized that Ajaero maintained open communication with the DSS, even informing the DG about his upcoming travel plans. He had initially been scheduled to leave Nigeria on Sunday, September 8th, but missed his flight, resulting in a rescheduled departure for Monday, September 9th. It was on this day that DSS operatives detained him at the airport, allegedly as part of a “watch list” operation conducted on behalf of another government agency.
The allegation that Joe Ajaero had deliberately ignored a DSS invitation raised concerns about his integrity. As the leader of Nigeria’s largest labor organization, Ajaero plays a crucial role in negotiations with the government and international labor organizations. The NLC statement stressed that Ajaero is known for his commitment to lawful conduct and has always respected institutional protocols. “He is a law-abiding citizen,” the statement read, “who leads the biggest pan-Nigerian organization with an illustrious history of patriotism and service.”
Upah’s statement continued, saying, “It is not in Comrade Ajaero’s character to snub any invitation. He is a trade unionist of international repute and serves on the executive boards of world federations of trade unions.” The NLC strongly rejected the narrative that Ajaero would ignore a security agency’s invitation, stating that it would be inconsistent with his long-standing respect for authority.
In the aftermath of Ajaero’s arrest, the Nigerian government issued a statement emphasizing that no one, including labor leaders, is above the law. This comment seemed to indirectly address the growing public criticism of the DSS’s handling of the situation. Government spokespeople reiterated that Ajaero’s failure to attend a DSS questioning, as had been reported, was the reason behind his detention. However, the NLC’s detailed clarification has cast doubt on the accuracy of this claim.
The NLC’s statement not only refuted the government’s stance but also raised questions about the due process followed by the DSS. The NLC reiterated that, as a citizen of Nigeria and leader of a global labor movement, Ajaero would not have deliberately ignored any lawful summons from the DSS, had one been made.
Joe Ajaero’s position as a key figure in the global labor movement means that his arrest has implications beyond Nigeria’s borders. As a prominent trade unionist who serves on the executive boards of several international labor organizations, Ajaero’s arrest at the airport could potentially strain relationships between Nigerian labor unions and their international counterparts. His detention could be viewed as an attempt to undermine labor movements or intimidate labor leaders, especially at a time when Nigeria is facing pressing economic challenges that affect its working population.
While the DSS has not officially responded to the NLC’s statement refuting the claim that Ajaero was invited before his arrest, the labor congress has made it clear that it will continue to defend its president’s reputation. The NLC emphasized that Ajaero would return to Nigeria after the TUC conference and continue his duties as leader of the labor movement, undeterred by the incident.
The arrest and subsequent controversy have added to the already tense relationship between the Nigerian government and labor unions. Recent industrial actions and negotiations over minimum wage and labor rights have created a charged atmosphere. Ajaero’s arrest may serve as a rallying point for further actions by the NLC and other labor unions, particularly if the perception grows that labor leaders are being unfairly targeted.
The arrest of Joe Ajaero by the DSS has raised important questions about the balance between national security and civil liberties in Nigeria. The NLC’s swift response to allegations that Ajaero had ignored a DSS invitation has cast doubt on the official narrative and highlighted the need for clarity and transparency in dealings between government agencies and civil society leaders. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact labor relations in Nigeria and whether it will lead to broader discussions about the rights of labor leaders in the country.
For now, the NLC remains steadfast in its support of Ajaero, reinforcing his standing as a law-abiding citizen and respected international trade unionist. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining open communication between government agencies and labor organizations to avoid unnecessary conflicts that could escalate tensions within the country.
