“A Dark Day for Democracy”: AUPCTRE Decries DSS’ “Barbaric” and “Unprofessional” Arrest of NLC President

The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) has strongly condemned the arrest of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President by the Department of State Security Services (DSS).

In a press release issued on Tuesday in Abuja, AUPCTRE General Secretary, Comrade Sikiru Waheed, described the arrest as “barbaric” and “unprofessional”. The NLC President was arrested while attempting to travel to the United Kingdom to attend a conference of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Waheed accused the DSS of acting with impunity and attempting to divert attention from the struggles of Nigerians against the country’s economic hardships, which he attributed to government ineptitude

AUPCTRE has strongly denounced the Department of State Security Services’ (DSS) incarceration of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, as a “flagrant intimidation” and “lawlessness” that brazenly violates his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.

Ajaero, a champion of workers’ rights, was arrested without a valid warrant, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation. The AUPCTRE accused the DSS of attempting to silence Ajaero, who has been a leading voice in the struggle for the implementation of the new minimum wage signed into law in July 2024, as well as protesting the recent hike in electricity and petroleum prices.

However, following intense pressure from the labour movement and well-meaning Nigerians, Ajaero was released. The AUPCTRE hailed his release as a “victory for all” and a testament to the power of collective action, affirming that “people united can never be defeated”.

The union has vowed to continue fighting for workers’ rights and holding the government accountable for its actions, ensuring that the voices of Nigerian workers are heard and their rights protected.