DSS bows to pressure, releases NLC President, Ajaero

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), following his arrest earlier on Monday.

Ajaero’s release on administrative bail came after threats from the NLC to shut down the country’s economy if he was not freed by midnight.

Ajaero’s arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, while en route to the UK for an official engagement, triggered widespread condemnation.

NLC and the Trade Union Congress demanded his immediate release, and several unions, including the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), threatened strikes.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, urged the DSS to avoid worsening Nigeria’s economic hardship.

He emphasized the need for dialogue between the security agencies and NLC to prevent disruptions to the economy.

NLC spokesperson Benson Upah warned that the DSS clampdown could extend to other civic groups, including media organizations.

He described Ajaero’s arrest as part of an organized effort by the government against the people.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office in Abuja was also raided by DSS operatives on Monday, raising further concerns about civil liberties in the country.