Thu Sep 12 10:36:59 UTC 2024: ## NLC Denies Ajaero Shunned DSS Invitation, Clarifies Arrest Circumstances

**ABUJA, NIGERIA** – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently denied allegations that its National President, Joe Ajaero, ignored an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS). In a statement released on Wednesday, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah maintained that Ajaero, a “law-abiding citizen,” would never disregard summons from law enforcement agencies.

The statement comes in response to reports surrounding Ajaero’s arrest on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja. He was apprehended while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom. Following the arrest, the presidency had asserted that Ajaero, like any citizen, is subject to the law and had failed to honor previous summons from law enforcement.

Upah refuted these claims, asserting that Ajaero had engaged in discussions with the DSS Director-General on a courtesy visit prior to his arrest. He further explained that a DSS director had requested a meeting with the NLC General Secretary, who was unavailable until Friday, September 13th. The director assured the General Secretary of a 48-hour notice prior to any visit.

According to the NLC, the DSS Director-General spoke with Ajaero on Saturday night, during which Ajaero informed him of his planned travel on Sunday. He reassured the Director-General that he would fulfill the courtesy visit upon his return on Friday, September 13th. However, Ajaero missed his flight on Sunday and had it rescheduled to Monday, September 9th, leading to his arrest by DSS operatives.

Upah emphasized that the arrest was carried out in a “watch list operation” on behalf of another agency and not due to Ajaero failing to honor an invitation. He emphasized Ajaero’s law-abiding nature and international standing as a trade unionist, asserting that his actions speak for themselves.

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