The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has placed its members on high alert, signaling the possibility of a nationwide strike following the arrest of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by the Department of State Security (DSS).
In a statement released on Monday, Acting General Secretary Igwebike Dominic called for Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, warning of potential disruptions to the national power grid if their demands are not met.
“Nigeria is our collective country; our leaders should not make us live like slaves who cannot express themselves,” the NUEE stated. “We demand the unequivocal and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero without any harm being inflicted upon him. All our members are on alert for further directives.”
Ajaero was reportedly arrested by the DSS at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while en route to attend the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in the UK on Monday.
The NLC had earlier warned of an impending nationwide strike and protests if their leader is not released promptly.
The situation raises concerns over potential disruptions to Nigeria’s power supply, as NUEE, which represents electricity workers, has the capacity to shut down the national grid in protest.
