Strike looms as maritime workers vow to comply with NLC directive over Ajaero’s arrest

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has hinted at potential industrial action over the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

Ajaero was arrested by the Department of State Security Service ( DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday while on his way to attend a workers’ congress at the Trade Union Congress in UK where he was scheduled to address a global assembly of workers on behalf of Nigerian workers.

In a statement signed by the union’s Head of Media, Comrade John Ikemefuna, MWUN condemned Ajaero’s detention, describing it as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental human rights.

The union demanded Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, warning that if he is not freed, it will have no option but to comply with directives from the NLC, which may include industrial action.

“It’s on public domain that Comrade Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive anywhere in the world, therefore, his arrest without warrant and detention is condemnable in its entirety. This unholy act of the state agents infringes on the fundamental human rights of the Congress’ President, who has been held incommunicado on Monday morning with no traces of his whereabouts.

“It’s also on record that Comrade 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, dehumanize him; and a wholesome act of intimidation of the Labour President, which by all measure is absolutely unjustifiable by the laws of the land.

“However, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), frowns over this ugly incident on the Congress’ President, whose rights have been extremely violated by the security agents of the state; hence, MWUN is calling for the immediate unconditional release of Ajaero, the NLC President.

“In view of the foregoing, the Union will have no other option if he’s not released but to comply with directives that may come from the Nigeria Labour Congress on this matter, ” the union said.