NLC Denies Ajaero's DSS Snub Allegations

NLC Refutes Ajaero's DSS Snub Claims

“We want to reaffirm that Joe Ajaero is a law-abiding citizen heading the Herebiggest pan-Nigerian organisation with an illustrious history of patriotism and will certainly not snub the DSS...”

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero's arrest sparks controversy. NLC denies claims of ignored DSS invitation, citing law-abiding citizenship and international trade union reputation.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denied claims that its president, Joe Ajaero, ignored an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS). In a statement released on Wednesday, September 11, the NLC spokesperson described Ajaero as a law-abiding citizen who would never disregard an invitation from a law enforcement agency.

Ajaero was taken into custody by the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on Monday, September 9, just as he was about to depart for the United Kingdom. The NLC clarified that Ajaero's trip to the UK was at the invitation of the British Trade Union Congress (TUC), contradicting speculation surrounding his arrest.

In response to Joe Ajaero's arrest, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a directive to its affiliates, state councils, and all Nigerian workers to remain vigilant and be on high alert. The labor union also issued an ultimatum demanding Ajaero's unconditional release by midnight.

However, the Department of State Services (DSS) released Ajaero on Monday night, bringing an end to the standoff. It was reported that Ajaero's arrest was due to his failure to respond to a police invitation regarding a petition filed by Air Peace Airlines, as well as his non-compliance with a DSS invitation related to an alleged extortion case.

The presidency responded to the backlash over Ajaero's arrest, stating that no one, including the NLC president, is above the law in Nigeria. They emphasized that Ajaero's failure to comply with law enforcement agencies' summons led to his arrest.

The NLC representative countered claims that Ajaero ignored the DSS invitation, urging the public to disregard such reports. He revealed that Ajaero had actually met with the DSS director-general on a courtesy visit just days before his arrest, contradicting allegations of non-compliance.

“We would like to set the records straight as follows, in the days preceding his arrest, the congress president had a discussion with the DG DSS on a courtesy visit,” the statement reads.

“A director in the agency later called the general secretary of the congress on the need to fix a date for the courtesy visit.

“The general secretary, however, explained to him that he would not be available until Friday September 13.

“The said director assured him they would give congress leadership a notice of not less than 48 hours for the visit.

“The Director General of the DSS last spoke with Comrade Ajaero on the night of Saturday, September 7.

“During their conversation, Ajaero mentioned that he would be traveling the next day, Sunday, September 8, and that the courtesy visit would be rescheduled for after his return on Friday, September 13.

“The congress president, however, missed his flight on Sunday and had it rescheduled to Monday, September 9th.

“It was on the morning of Monday, September 9, that he was apprehended by DSS operatives during a watch list operation conducted on behalf of a sister agency.

“We want to reaffirm that Joe Ajaero is a law-abiding citizen heading the biggest pan-Nigerian organisation with an illustrious history of patriotism and will certainly not snub the DSS.

“He is a trade unionist of international repute who serves on the executive boards of world federations of trade unions. His constituency goes beyond Nigeria.

“It is not in his character to disregard invitations and precedents his honoring the police invitation attest to this.”