The Department of State Services DSS, has granted administrative bail to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero. The Advocate reports that pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, made Ajaero’s release public in a tweet Monday night.
According to him, Barrister Marshal Abubakar from Femi Falana Chambers facilitated Ajaero’s release from the DSS Custody. Omoyele Sowore wrote on his official Facebook page, “The fascist regime of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has released Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, from the custody of the Department of State Services on bail.
“The NLC is urged to declare its support for the #FearlessInOctober action and demand an end to bad governance in Nigeria. The release of Joe Ajaero was facilitated by Barrister Marshal Abubakar from Femi Falana Chambers.”
Ajaero was arrested Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom for an official engagement. Numerous organisations, civil society groups, activists and prominent individuals denounced Ajaero’s arrest and demanded his immediate release.
The NLC condemned the arrest and called for his prompt and unconditional release. In a statement issued on Monday evening, the NLC’s National Administrative Council, led by Deputy President, Adeyanju Adewale, described Ajaero’s detention as “brazen and illegal” and a clear violation of workers’ rights and democratic values.
The council issued an ultimatum, calling for Ajaero’s release by midnight on Monday. “This is aside the regular free airlifting of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments.
“Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodeling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families. These are in addition to combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection.
“Personnel capacity development is also receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are engaged regularly in training activities to build their capabilities in consonance with global best practice,” he added.
Nwachukwu said the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare was unfounded and irrational, urging media organisations to avoid being tools of disinformation. He said the army would continue to prioritise the welfare and morale of its personnel and ensure that they remain motivated and fully equipped to carry out their duties in defense of the nation.
