The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has provided insight into his recent arrest and questioning by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Ajaero was detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the Trade Union Congress conference in London.
After being held for over 16 hours, Ajaero’s phones and passport were seized by the DSS. He later confirmed that his items had been returned, but described the experience as troubling.
During his detention, Ajaero was interrogated by both the DSS and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The questioning revolved around the Iva Valley Bookshop located at the NLC secretariat, communication with the bookshop operator, and his association with #EndBadGovernance protesters, particularly Eleojo Opaluwa, a staff member of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).
Ajaero also faced questions about the Labour Party (LP), clarifying that while the NLC is a trustee of the party, they do not manage it. He referenced the party’s founding during Adams Oshiomhole’s tenure as NLC President. Additionally, inquiries were made about a previously resolved issue with Air Peace.
Ajaero expressed concern over continued harassment, stating, “It feels like the security agents are searching for evidence to target us, using intimidation and public embarrassment.”
News Editor