Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has been picked up by security operatives in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
Benson Uper, the media head of the NLC, confirmed the development to TheCable.
He said Ajaero was picked up from the state council secretariat of the NLC by heavily armed police officers and driven to an unknown destination.
The arrest comes ahead of a planned protest by the NLC in Imo on November 1, to protest the alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers.
“Comrade Joe Ajaero was picked up by security operatives from the state council secretariat of the NLC,” Uper said.
“He was taken away in a black Toyota Hilux van to an unknown destination.”
The NLC has condemned the arrest of Ajaero, calling it an attempt by the Imo state government to stifle the union’s right to protest.
“The arrest of Comrade Joe Ajaero is a clear attempt by the Imo state government to intimidate and silence the NLC,” said Uper.
“We will not be cowed by this act of intimidation. We will continue to fight for the rights of workers in Imo and across Nigeria.”
Details later…