AJAERO’S ARREST SAGA: DSS succumbs to pressure as NLC plans showdown – REPORT

The Department of State Services has granted administrative bail to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.

He was released a few minutes before the 12midnight ultimatum issued by the organised labour.

Pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, announced his release in a tweet on Monday night.

The Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party and Social Democratic Party on Monday criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the raid on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s Abuja office by the Department of State Services.

Ajaero was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment.

The NLC president was billed to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London, which begins today.

Also, the DSS raided the office of SERAP in Abuja.

Reports indicate that the officers were seeking to speak with the directors of the rights group.

In response to its president’s arrest, the NLC held a closed-door meeting with stakeholders in Abuja on Monday, demanding Ajaero’s immediate release and instructing all chapters to prepare for a potential nationwide strike.

The NLC’s National Administrative Council in a statement issued after its meeting by Adeyanju Adewale, NLC’s deputy president, described the detention as “brazen and illegal” and an “affront to the rights of workers and democratic principles.”

The council demanded Ajaero’s release by 12 midnight on Monday and also called for the reversal of the recent petrol price hike to N617/Litre.

The NLC disclosed that it had placed its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies on red alert, warning that it would not stand by while workers’ rights were trampled upon.

The congress reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and opposing oppression, urging the government to reverse its “dangerous trend” and implement the new National Minimum Wage.

The communiqué read, “The National Administrative Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress convened an emergency meeting today to address the alarming and unlawful arrest and detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, by agents of the Nigerian Government.

“Comrade Ajaero was arrested and detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en-route to the United Kingdom, where he was scheduled to attend and address the Congress of the Trade Union Congress of Britain, representing Nigerian workers in critical discussions on workers’ rights and social justice.

“After extensive deliberation, the NAC resolved as follows: The Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian state without any legal warrant or justification. The NLC notes with grave concern that Comrade Ajaero was lawfully discharging his duties to represent Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense warranting such action.

“His detention is an affront to the rights of workers and the democratic principles of freedom of movement and expression.

“The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today. The Council reiterates that Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive or a criminal, and his detention is an act of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and stifling the labour movement’s voice in Nigeria. NAC also demands the immediate reversal of the current hike in the price of petrol to N617/litre.

“The congress places all its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert. The detention of Comrade Ajaero is an attack not just on the NLC leadership but on the rights of all workers and citizens to organize, protest, and express themselves freely. The NLC will not stand by while these rights are trampled upon. This provocation is another attempt by the State to scuttle the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.”

Speaking earlier, Benson Upah, Head of Public Relations for the NLC, stated that Ajaero was taken by state agents without a legal warrant or formal documentation, adding that his current location and health status remained unknown.

Reacting to the development, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, called for caution, stating that Nigeria has now entered a full-blown dictatorship under President Tinubu.

Ologunagba urged the Federal Government to tackle the underlying issues like hunger, rather than targeting individuals who didn’t support their policies.

He stated “There is a need for caution. There was a protest in this country, and the government did nothing. You arrest some people, label them terrorists, and charge them to court. You claim some individuals are sponsors of the protest.

“We know who sponsored the protest: it is hunger. The President and his administration should address hunger, and there will be no problem. Let your draconian policies that bring people to their knees be re-evaluated. With school resuming, we understand the struggles of those with pupils in school.

“You wake up one morning unable to plan because the government is so insensitive and irresponsible, implementing policies that destroy people’s plans and their pursuit of happiness without consulting the National Assembly.

“Why does the government exist? For the welfare and security of the people. Currently, there is no welfare or security. This is breaking news. We need to see and understand what is happening. The government should address the country’s welfare challenges to prevent protests.”

The PDP Publicity Secretary expressed discontent with President Tinubu for focusing primarily on his comfort.

Ologunagba added, “Nobody really cares who the president is if the government provides the opportunity to pursue our goals and aspirations. As a party, we will investigate this breaking news and respond accordingly. If the government is about welfare and the people are suffering, it is reasonable to review these policies.

“You must show leadership by saying, ‘Okay, you are telling me to tighten my belt while you are buying a new belt.’ This is a country that cannot pay N70,000 minimum wage but can purchase a N150 billion plane. The President seems to be testing it, flying everywhere. This is a country where N21bn was spent to renovate the Vice President’s house, yet according to them, there is no money.”

The PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, remarked that Tinubu’s administration was sliding into ‘’a hotbed of corruption and tyranny.’’

He stated, “Tinubu’s administration is not sliding into authoritarianism, we are already in a full-blown dictatorship.

“The APC and indeed the Tinubu-led government have finally degenerated into a cesspool of corrupt and tyrannical monsters. The contraption is no longer pretentious about its anti-democratic posture, a development we are not surprised about because of the background and disposition of the elements.”

The National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, described Ajaero’s arrest as shocking.

Johnson, however, disclosed that the Tinubu administration must urgently explain why the Labour leader was whisked away to douse the tension.

He said, “We need to wait to find out why he was arrested. That way, we can have an informed opinion. Otherwise, people will start believing that it is some form of authoritarianism we are seeing.

“But as a legal practitioner, I will wait to officially hear the reasons they think it is necessary to pick Ajaero in the manner they did.”

SDP national chairman Shehu Gabam, who labelled the operation as “Gestapo-like”, stated that the nation was descending into gangsterism.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Gabam warned that this approach will not benefit the country.

He stated “What happened symbolizes the nation jumping into gangsterism and Gestapo-like operations against those who disagree with the government. I want to caution the government to be extremely careful.

“The composition of the nation will not support Gestapo-like operations simply because there are differing opinions on how the government is run. The right of citizens to express their dissatisfaction with government policies and programs is constitutionally protected. The government should learn from other systems that have used similar tactics and ended up collapsing.

“Given the current level of consciousness in Nigeria, as well as the high levels of poverty, insecurity, hunger, and unemployment, the leadership must be extremely careful not to provoke the system further. You cannot target institutions simply because they disagree with you. If you have any evidence, you should find a decent way to arrest or interrogate people. Subjecting them to appear as if they are hiding criminals is unacceptable.

“It reflects poorly on the quality of leadership and responsibility. My advice to this government is to apply extreme caution in how they handle those who disagree with them. This approach will not benefit the country.

“It will not create an environment that protects our cherished institutions and democracy, which we have chosen by choice, not imposition. The government must be extremely cautious and sensitive in its operations.”

But the National Publicity Director of the ruling APC, Bala Ibrahim, called for restraint.

The spokesman insisted that the DSS could not have gone after the NLC president without a reason.

According to him, it is too early for people to start venting their anger without finding out whether his arrest has something to do with the ‘treason’ charge or another issue entirely.

He stated, “Governance is all about ensuring law and order in the country. When the President took the oath of office and allegiance of office, he swore to respect the constitution of the country. In respecting the constitution of the country, you must not tamper with the law. Whatever is the provision of the law should be followed to the latter.

“In matters of investigation, especially one that has to do with insecurity, we must set aside sentiment and look at the position of the law. If a matter has to do with treason, it means the constitution of the country is under challenge. On this issue of the NLC president, he has appeared before security agents more than once and he came with his lawyer.

“If the need arises for him to be invited again, he must continue to turn up until he proves himself innocent. For now, we have not received the substance or details on why he was arrested by the DSS. Until we do, we must not inject sentiments into the issue because the Constitution is supreme.

“Anybody who defies the constitution is threatening peace and unity of the people and putting the country in jeopardy. Let us not look at it from the angle of the president being dictatorial. No, it is the question of protecting the constitution and the law.”

The National Union of Electricity Employees strongly condemned the arrest of the NLC president and the raid on SERAP’s office.

NUEE in a statement issued by its acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, on Monday, expressed concern over the detention of Ajaero.

According to NUEE, the brazen act of intimidation and harassment is a violation of his fundamental rights and freedom as a Nigerian citizen.

The statement read, “We are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Com. Joe Ajaero and we are saying to the government to desist from its unscrupulous harassment of labour leaders and Nigerian workers who speak out on the crushing hardship they are battling with caused by the irresponsible acts of the government that has turned deaf ears to the groaning of the people that they are governing.”

On its part, the Trade Union Congress demanded the unconditional release of Ajaero in a statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo.

Osifo said, “This unjust action represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.”

He noted that the Congress “firmly condemns the arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

“This arrest sets a dangerous precedent that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests.

“It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations.

“We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.”

The United Action Front of Civil Society described the arrest as a “needless show of force” and an attempt to cause national anarchy.

The UAFCS argued that Ajaero, as a high-profile citizen and leader, should have been treated with decorum and courtesy, rather than being subjected to “dehumanizing tactics”.

In a statement signed by the Head of the Secretariat, Hamisu Santuraki, it called for Ajaero’s immediate release, warning that his detention could lead to mass resistance and civil disobedience.

It also announced plans to commence national consultations on halting the growing “police state” in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday, Amnesty International Nigeria mentioned that Ajaero’s unlawful arrest by the DSS signalled a troubling new standard for impunity.

The Director of AI Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services today. The labour union leader must be immediately and unconditionally released.

“The arbitrary arrest of Joe Ajaero shows an escalating crackdown on human rights and restrictions on civic space by the government of President Bola Tinubu.’’

“President Bola Tinubu’s government persistently attacks and undermines the operations of the NLC through fabricated allegations, raids on NLC headquarters, and other forms of harassment and intimidation. This growing culture of impunity and disdain for workers’ rights to organize and seek better welfare must stop,” Sanusi added.

According to Sanusi, President Tinubu is setting a new record of utter disregard for the rule of law.

“Amnesty International has observed, in the last year, the increasing crackdown by Nigerian authorities on the labour union and civic space. The authorities continue to weaponise the police and DSS to repress the human rights of Nigerians.

“Nigeria is a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, including trade union membership and activities,” he noted.

“Under international human rights law, workers cannot be targeted for participating in trade union activities. The Nigerian authorities have an obligation not only to respect the rights of workers but also to protect these rights from abuse,” the organisation further argued.

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria also condemned the arrest of the NLC president.

In a statement on Monday by the Head of Media at MWUN, John Ikemefuna, the union said it would comply with decisions taken by the NLC to ensure Ajaero’s immediate release.

“The MWUN under the leadership of Adewale Adeyanju has kicked against the abduction of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero by security apparatus at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his invitation to attend workers congress by the Trade Union Congress of Britain,” the statement read in part.

MWUN stated that it is in the public domain that Ajaero is not a fugitive anywhere in the world, therefore, his arrest without warrant and detention is condemnable in its entirety.

It stated “It’s also on record that Ajaero is a Nigerian citizen and not in any way a wanted person by the Nigerian state. Therefore, his abduction was just a deliberate act to humiliate, and dehumanise him; and a wholesome act of intimidation of the labour president, which by all measure is unjustifiable by the laws of the land.”

“Given the foregoing, the union would have no other option if he’s not released but to comply with directives that may come from the NLC on this matter,” the union warned.

In a related development, SERAP has urged the President “to immediately direct Nigeria’s DSS to end the intimidation and harassment and attack against our organization and the threat of arrest against our directors.”

In a statement by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “We condemn the invasion of our Abuja office today by Nigeria’s Department of State Services. The Tinubu administration must immediately direct the DSS to end the intimidation and harassment of SERAP and our staff members.”

SERAP’s statement read in part: “The invasion of SERAP’s office by the DSS and the harassment and intimidation of our staff members is a brutal assault on the entire human rights community in the country.

“The escalating crackdown on human rights, and harassment and intimidation of NGOs and human rights defenders that have shown astonishing courage in their human rights work hurt those most in need, undermine access of Nigerian victims of human rights violations and abuses to justice, and contribute to a culture of impunity of perpetrators.

“This government has an obligation to support and protect civil society groups and human rights defenders. We are seriously concerned about the growing restrictions on civic space and the brutal crackdown on the human rights of Nigerians.

“President Tinubu must urgently instruct appropriate authorities to promptly and thoroughly investigate the invasion of our offices and to bring to justice those involved.

“Nigerian authorities must allow SERAP to freely carry out our mandates as recognized under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

SERAP charged Nigerian authorities to end the harassment and intimidation against its staff.

Human rights lawyer and senior advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said, “We condemn the invasion of SERAP’s office. The Tinubu government must urgently fish out the officers who carried out the invasion of SERAP’s office in the name of the government. Anyone found to be responsible for the invasion must be prosecuted. The government must allow human rights defenders to freely carry out their work, consistent with the Nigerian Constitution.”

AI also lambasted Tinubu for the ‘unlawful’ invasion of SERAP’s office by DSS operatives.

AI, in a post on X on Monday, said the president was going too far in his administration’s efforts to gag dissenting voices.

The post read, “Amnesty International received a disturbing report of the unlawful invasion of the Abuja office of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by operatives of DSS. President Bola Tinubu is going too far in his government’s repressive efforts to gag dissenting voices.”

Our correspondent’s attempts to reach the DSS were unsuccessful, as the service had closed its Directorate of Communication and reassigned its director, Peter Afunaya.

When The PUNCH contacted the agency’s operational phone number, an officer instructed our correspondent to send an email. As of this report, the email has not been responded to.

However, a source, who requested anonymity due to not being authorized to speak on the matter, informed our correspondent that Ajaero was arrested for not responding to the service’s invitation.

The source said, “An invitation was sent to him last week following a petition against him. The petition borders on national security and his presence was required to clear the air on the allegations against him. A senior officer handling the matter called him on his telephone line and he promised to show up but failed to.

“No responsible security organisation will fold its hands in the face of such contempt. The law setting up the DSS empowers us to defend Nigeria against domestic threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of Nigeria, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal and state law-enforcement organs.”

Reacting, Falana challenged the DSS to provide evidence against the labour leader.

Falana said, “Let the DSS provide details of the petition. If they say it is a matter of national security then let them give you a copy of that petition. It is very simple.”

SOURCE: PUNCH