The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero on administrative bail, mere minutes before a midnight ultimatum issued by organized labour.
Ajaero’s arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, yesterday morning sparked widespread condemnation from political parties, civil society groups, and labour unions.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for Ajaero’s arrest and the raid on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s (SERAP) Abuja office.
The PDP described the arrest as a “full-blown dictatorship,” while the NNPP demanded an explanation for Ajaero’s detention. The SDP warned against “Gestapo-like” operations, stating that such actions would not benefit the country.
Labour unions and civil society groups also denounced Ajaero’s arrest, with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) demanding his unconditional release.
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The Trade Union Congress (TUC) condemned the arrest as a violation of Ajaero’s rights and called for his immediate release. Amnesty International Nigeria described the arrest as “unlawful” and “a troubling new standard for impunity.”
The DSS raid on SERAP’s office and Ajaero’s arrest have raised concerns about the government’s respect for human rights and democratic principles.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians await further developments and responses from the government and civil society.
