Ajaero: OATUU, German Labour Union decry alleged persecution of Labour leaders in Nigeria 

By Victor Ahiuma Young

The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, OATUU, and the German Confederation of Trade Unions, DGB, have joined the growing list of global trade union movements expressing concerns over perceived attacks, harassment, and persecution of labour leaders in Nigeria.

Recall that the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, IndustriALL Global Union, IGU, Trade Union Congress, TUC, of the United Kingdom, and Public Service International, PSI, had earlier raised the alarm over fundamental human workers rights abuses in Nigeria.

Their concerns followed operatives of the Department of the State Service, DSS, arrest of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joel Ajaero on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom to attend the conference of Trade Union Congress, TUC, UK.

OATUU in a statement by its Secretary General, Arezki MEZHOUD
Among others, “Although the information at our disposal confirmed the release of the Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, the growing trajectory of intimidation and molestation of trade union leaders by the government and its agents must cease.

“We encourage the government to embrace best-known practices and connotational ways of consultations and dialogue in resolving whatever difference might exist. It will be unhealthy to continue with non-conventional ways of harassment and intimidation to attack dissenting voices against anti-people policies of the government.

“As a Pan-African Trade Union Organisation that represents all tendencies and interests of working people in 55 Africa Nations, with over 25 million memberships, we shall continue to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its defense of workers’ rights and interests.”

Similarly, DGB, in a statement by its secretary, Annika Wünsche, said, among others, “The arrest of Joe Ajero on September 9, 2024, at Abuja Airport, just before he was to depart for the annual conference of the British Trade Union Congress, is a deeply troubling sign. The repeated accusations against him—including “criminal conspiracy” and “terrorism financing”—seem to follow the mere aim of weakening the voice of trade unions in Nigeria. 

“Joe Ajaero is one of the leading advocates for workers’ rights in Nigeria, and these actions show that the government seeks to suppress legitimate demands for workers’ interests and social reforms.

“Also, the recent attack on the NLC headquarters by government forces highlights the extent of the intimidation directed at trade unions. The unions are being deliberately targeted. Such attacks are not merely attempts at intimidation; they are direct assaults on freedom of expression and the right to organize as an integral part of a free and open society. 

“The attacks aim to undermine the legitimacy of trade union work and, last but not least, constitute a violation of the International Labour Organisation’s fundamental conventions that Nigeria has ratified. 

However, opposing or critically commenting on any government policies is the right of any trade union and does not justify arrests, discrimination, or intimidation from any government.

“We demand an end to the repression of trade union activities and full respect for the rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly at any time. The DGB will continue to closely monitor.

the situation in Nigeria and stands in solidarity with the Nigerian Labour Congress and all those fighting for a just and peaceful future.”

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