Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has accused the Nigerian government of strategically placing Andrew Wynne, a wanted British national, at the NLC headquarters in Abuja.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Ajaero raised alarms over what he termed a deliberate effort by the government to silence dissent, especially against its economic policies. He suggested that his own arrest earlier this year was part of a broader strategy to stifle opposition, asserting that he might still be in detention if not for his leadership role within the NLC.

This accusation follows the Nigeria Police Force’s declaration of Wynne—also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey—as wanted for allegedly conspiring to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s government. According to police reports, Wynne is believed to have engaged in activities considered threats to national security.

Ajaero criticized the government’s actions, stating, “The government is bent on suppressing every voice of resistance, especially those speaking out against its neo-liberal agenda.” He further questioned how a wanted individual was allowed access to the NLC secretariat, implying possible government involvement in undermining the labour movement.

The police have launched an investigation into the purported involvement of foreign mercenaries and other subversive elements in a plot to overthrow Nigeria’s democratically elected government. Shortly after these events, Ajaero was detained by operatives from the Department of State Services while traveling to a conference in the UK but was released after significant public outcry.

During 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 urged the federal government to clarify how Wynne entered Nigeria.

This marks the first occasion Ajaero has publicly addressed these issues since his release from custody. He explained that he initially chose to remain silent in hopes that the government would disclose the true circumstances surrounding his detention.