Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has accused the Nigerian government of attempting to suppress opposition, especially those critical of its economic policies.
During a press briefing, Ajaero revealed that Andrew Wynne, a British national and wanted individual, had been stationed at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, raising concerns about government interference.
Ajaero claimed his detention earlier this year was part of a larger scheme to silence dissent, adding that he might still be imprisoned if not for his position in the NLC.
Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey, is wanted by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly conspiring to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with authorities labeling his actions a threat to national security.
Ajaero questioned how a wanted foreign national could access the NLC secretariat and hinted at potential government involvement aimed at weakening the labour movement.
In response, the police launched an investigation into alleged foreign mercenaries and subversive elements attempting to disrupt Nigeria’s democracy.
Following these revelations, Ajaero was briefly detained by the Department of State Services while en route to a UK conference, but public outcry led to his release.
Speaking at the 2024 ASUU State of the Nation Conference in Abuja, themed “Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for a New Path to Development,” Ajaero called for clarity on how Wynne entered the country.
