NEWS
DSS bows to pressure, releases Ajaero amid rising outrage
The anger of Nigerians toward the government is at its thinnest and the DSS has caved in to pressure by releasing NLC President Joe Ajaero who was recently arrested under the orders of the government.
The Department of State Services (DSS) released Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero late Monday night after hours in detention, following threats by NLC to cripple the nation’s economy. The release, confirmed by activist Omoyele Sowore on X.com, came just as Nigeria braced for a potential shutdown of critical sectors, including electricity.
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Ajaero’s detention at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, while en route to the UK for official business, triggered a wave of condemnation, with labor unions and civil society groups, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), demanding his immediate release. The NLC, which represents millions of workers, had issued a stark warning of national strike action, which would have paralyzed the already fragile economy.
Benson Upah, NLC’s spokesperson, decried the arrest as part of a broader clampdown by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He warned that the government’s actions against labor leaders could spread “like a virus” across Nigeria’s civic space, with media organizations next in line. Upah’s statement paints a chilling picture of the possible ripple effects this crackdown could have on democratic freedoms.
Economists, such as Dr. Muda Yusuf, cautioned against further escalation, urging dialogue between the government and labor unions. A nationwide strike could exacerbate the already dire economic situation, potentially plunging millions into deeper hardship.
As Nigerians wait anxiously for further developments, the question remains: is this just the beginning of a much larger confrontation between the government and its citizens? With the looming possibility of a nationwide blackout, this crisis could signal a tipping point for Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
This developing story is one to watch closely, as the fallout from Ajaero’s arrest may be far from over.
