Nigeria’s Labour Congress Demands Release of Arrested President, Reversal of Petrol Price Hike
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) held an emergency meeting in Abuja on Monday, sparked by the arrest and detention of its President, Joe Ajaero. Ajaero was taken into custody at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while en route to the United Kingdom for a meeting.
According to Media Talk Africa, the NLC has obtained the resolution from the emergency meeting, which demands Ajaero’s “immediate and unconditional release” before 12 midnight on Monday. The union is also calling for the immediate reversal of the hike in the price of petrol to N617 per liter.
The NLC has placed all its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert. The union has also summoned an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) by 9:00 am on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The crisis has sent shockwaves through Nigeria, with many calling for the government to respect the rights of labor leaders and address the economic concerns of the Nigerian people. The NLC’s demands come as the country struggles with rising living costs, inflation, and a lack of economic opportunities.
The international community is watching the situation closely, with many human rights organizations and labor unions around the world expressing concern over Ajaero’s arrest and detention. The Nigerian government has yet to comment on the situation, but the NLC remains resolute in its demands for Ajaero’s release and the reversal of the petrol price hike.
As the situation continues to unfold, the NLC’s determination to stand up for the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens has sent a strong message to the government and the international community.
