- NLC President Joe Ajaero accused the federal government of attempting to silence dissent, citing the arrest of a British national at Labour House
- Ajaero expressed concerns over the government’s treatment of dissenting voices, particularly regarding its neo-liberal policies and recent protests against bad governance
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has accused the federal government of placing a wanted British national at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, commonly known as Labour House.
Ajaero also revealed that if it weren’t for his position within the labour movement, he might still be in jail following his recent arrest. He alleged that the current administration is attempting to silence dissenting voices, particularly those critical of its neo-liberal policies.
The police had declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, wanted on September 2 for allegedly conspiring to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. Authorities launched an investigation into foreign mercenaries and other elements involved in subversive activities aimed at toppling the democratically-elected government.
Shortly after, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Ajaero as he was en route to the United Kingdom for a conference. His detention sparked widespread outrage, leading to his eventual release.
Ajaero, speaking publicly on the matter for the first time during the 2024 edition of the ASUU State of the Nation Conference in Abuja, questioned how the British national entered Nigeria. He further explained that he had remained silent on the issue, hoping the government would clarify the situation.
The conference, themed “Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for a New Path to Development,” offered Ajaero a platform to address his concerns regarding the government’s handling of the matter.