The President of Nigeria Labour Congress Arrested During Protest
The President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, was taken into custody by the police in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. The arrest occurred during an ongoing protest organized by the union members in the state.
The NLC had announced their intention to stage a protest in the state due to the alleged violation and abuse of workers’ rights and privileges by the State government.
As workers gathered at the state Secretariat of the NLC for the protest, the demonstration was disrupted by troublemakers who damaged vehicles and attacked the labor members. However, the workers regrouped and continued the protest, led by the NLC President and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja.
Just as Ajaero was about to address the gathering, armed policemen arrived and apprehended him, along with other NLC officials. Gunshots were fired to disperse the protesters.
Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Information and Publicity, confirmed the incident, stating that Ajaero had been abducted by heavily armed men suspected to be policemen. He emphasized that the arrest occurred as they were preparing to peacefully protest against the violation of workers’ trade union rights.
Chris Onyeka, the NLC Deputy General Secretary and Chief of Staff to the NLC President, recounted the events, explaining that Ajaero was attacked and arrested while standing on the platform. Thugs initially assaulted him before the police intervened to apprehend him and another senior NLC official.
