Ajaero’s arrest, ‘needless show of force’ — CSO

The United Action Front of Civil Society has strongly condemned the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Ajaero was, on Monday, en route to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in the United Kingdom when he was detained by DSS operatives in what has been described as a “Gestapo manner.”

The civil society group denounced the arrest as a “needless show of force” and an attempt to incite national anarchy. They contended that Ajaero, a high-profile leader, should have been treated with decorum and respect, rather than subjected to “dehumanizing tactics.”

The statement, signed by the Head of Secretariat Hamisu Santuraki, demanded Ajaero’s immediate release and warned that his detention could provoke mass resistance and civil disobedience.

The group also announced plans to initiate national consultations to address the rising “police state” in Nigeria.

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“We wish to state that the DSS has, without cause, deviated from the civil and conventional practices previously followed by the police in security matters involving prominent citizens and leaders, such as the NLC President. Instead of issuing invitations, they have resorted to forceful abduction, aiming to embarrass and intimidate like common criminals.

“Comrade Joe Ajaero, a significant leader of the Labour movement and the masses of Nigeria, deserves to be treated with the utmost respect. Security issues involving him should be handled with due process, not with the Gestapo tactics displayed today, which threaten national stability.

“For us in the organized civil society and pro-democracy movement of Nigeria, Ajaero’s abduction represents a blatant and indecent act by Nigerian security operatives and should be condemned by all Nigerians. We unequivocally denounce this reckless act by the DSS against the NLC President, which has already caused widespread shock and may lead to mass resistance and civil disobedience if Ajaero is not released immediately.”

Ajaero’s arrest has sparked nationwide outrage, with many condemning the DSS’s actions as a blatant attempt to suppress dissenting voices.