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NLC Warns Workers of Possible Action if FG Fails to Release Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a red alert to its affiliates, state councils, civil society allies, and the Nigerian public, warning of potential action if the Federal Government does not release its President, Joe Ajaero, by midnight yesterday.
During an emergency meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) last night, the NLC announced that it would convene its National Executive Council (NEC) this morning to decide on the next steps regarding Ajaero’s arrest.
The Congress is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero, condemning his detention as an act of intimidation aimed at silencing the labour movement in Nigeria. Additionally, the NLC is calling for the reversal of the current fuel price hike to ₦617 per litre, which it sees as an attempt to undermine the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.
In a communiqué signed by NLC Deputy President Prince Adewale, the organization condemned Ajaero’s detention as illegal, noting that he was fulfilling his duties as a representative of Nigerian workers and had not committed any crime justifying such action. The communiqué stated, “The NLC demands his immediate and unconditional release before 12 midnight today. The detention of Ajaero is an affront to workers’ rights and democratic principles.”
Ajaero was detained by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on his way to the United Kingdom for an official assignment. The NLC decried his arrest as a violation of democratic principles and an attempt to stifle dissent.
The Congress also urged international human rights organizations to take note of the situation, while calling on its affiliates, civil society organizations, and Nigerians to stay alert.
The Lagos State chapter of the NLC accused the Federal Government of attempting to suppress the voice of Nigerian workers, describing Ajaero’s arrest as a witch-hunt against labour leaders. The chapter’s chairman, Funmi Sessi, criticized the DSS for not following proper procedures, stating that the arrest reflects a broader effort to discredit organized labour.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also condemned Ajaero’s arrest, calling it unjust and demanding his immediate release. TUC President Festus Osifo stressed that the arrest violates fundamental democratic rights and sets a dangerous precedent for the labour movement.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautioned the Federal Government over the arrest, urging it to address the country’s challenges to prevent further protests. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the government should focus on the welfare and security of citizens instead of suppressing dissent.
In a related development, the United Action Front of Civil Society criticized the DSS for its heavy-handed tactics, calling Ajaero’s arrest a “needless show of force” and warning that it could lead to national unrest. The coalition urged immediate national consultations to address the growing repression of civil and democratic spaces in Nigeria.
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Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta monarchs ask Tinubu to fire Wike or call him to order

Some traditional rulers from the Niger Delta have called on President Bola Tinubu to either dismiss the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or rein him in to prevent further unrest in Rivers State.
HRM King Dodo II of Bilabiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, and HRH King-Jerry Prebor of the Meinbutus Federal Communities, Warri, Delta State, made the appeal amid tensions in the oil-rich state and the recent bombing of the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
King Prebor, speaking with Vanguard over the phone, urged the president to act swiftly, warning that the situation could escalate. “Given the current events in Rivers State and the likely outcome, I implore President Tinubu, Wike’s employer, to fire him now or call him to order before things get out of hand,” he said.
Similarly, King Dodo II emphasized the need for urgent intervention, cautioning that Wike’s actions could strain the president’s relationship with the people of Rivers State. “On the present situation in the Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State, the president should call his minister to order. The president should take the matter of Rivers State as a serious issue and act fast on it. He should not become the enemy of the Rivers people because of Wike’s selfish desire,” he stated.
Their concerns come as political tensions and security challenges continue to mount in the region.
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Northern CAN flays ethnic, religious divisions in north

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned the persistent ethnic and religious divisions in the North, urging a shift in mindset for regional progress.
Speaking at a dinner in Kaduna attended by CAN chairmen, secretaries, and Christian leaders from across the region, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, lamented that these divisions had hindered development and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the need for a new era of love, respect, and partnership to overcome these challenges.
“It is disheartening when people perceive us as divided and intolerant. We must usher in a new phase, one of love, respect, and partnership. Our region is blessed, but divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a shift in mindset,” Hayab stated.
He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to unity and addressing obstacles to progress while maintaining its role in advocating for truth with love and understanding. “We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power. However, we will do so in a way that fosters peace and unity,” he added.
Leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, commended Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable and visionary leader. Several other Christian leaders also paid tribute to him during the event.
Among those present were the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); the Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Barr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State). Others included the Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State); and the Northern CAN Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, who also chairs CAN North Central Zone.
Former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye; and many other Christian leaders were also in attendance.
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Ebonyi governor Nwifuru suspends three commissioners

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three members of his cabinet for alleged absenteeism. The affected commissioners—Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development)—were suspended for one month for failing to attend the state executive council meeting held on Monday, March 17, without permission.
Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, disclosed the decision while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting. He stated that Governor Nwifuru had previously warned against absenteeism and laxity among public officials. As a consequence, the suspended commissioners will forfeit all privileges attached to their offices during the suspension period.
Additionally, the governor urged contractors handling state projects to accelerate work in line with contractual agreements, warning that legal action would be taken against any firm failing to meet deadlines.
In another development, the state executive council approved several projects to enhance infrastructure at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Afikpo. These include the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic. Okpor noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda by improving the living and working conditions for corps members and staff.
The council also approved N40 million for the Ministry of Water Resources to construct a central water store, emphasizing the need to safeguard the ministry’s equipment and consumables.
The council recognized the achievements of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Faculty of Law team, which won the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024. The victorious team, comprising Michael Agu-Ebeke, Ibor Nwamaka, and their guardian, Dr. (Mrs) Chioma Iteshi, was inducted into the prestigious Ebonyi State Honour Awardees.
Governor Nwifuru commended the team for their exceptional performance, noting that they became the first Nigerian law faculty to win the competition in 33 years. Each awardee received a N5 million cash prize.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, urging Ebonyi State University and other institutions to prioritize practical-based research to produce graduates equipped to solve contemporary challenges.
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