The President has defended the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by asserting that he is not above the laws of the country.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
Recall that Ajaero was arrested and detained by the Department of State Service (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport on Monday while departing for the United Kingdom. He was released after 15 hours of questioning.
The development resulted in widespread criticism from individuals and civil society groups both inside and outside the country, who accused the government of abusing power and violating human rights.
UK TUC’s General Secretary, Paul Nowak, at the annual conference of Britain’s trade unions on Tuesday while reacting to Ajaero’s saga said; “Joe was released last night, but it is clear that his ordeal is not yet over. His unlawful arrest is a gross violation of fundamental trade union freedoms, especially as he was on his way to speak to us about the vital right of trade unions to seek solidarity.”
He emphasised continued support for Nigerian unions, adding, “Nigeria’s trade unions still have our solidarity. We condemn the actions of the Nigerian government and demand that they cease their persecution of Joe Ajaero.”
Onanuga’s statement on Tuesday night defended the government’s arrest of the labour leader, stating that he disregarded an invitation from the agency.
He said; “Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria. His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria.
“Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation.
Like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the Constitution.”
“We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, trade union leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.”
The statement titled ‘Nigeria, a country governed by law, which categorically denies any human rights abuse, pointed to the United States of America, where ex-President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous investigations and prosecutions since leaving office.
According to the statement, Mr. Hunter Biden, the son of the US President, has been the subject of a legal investigation by the FBI.
“The Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom opened its conference today in London, with its leader making false claims about human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.
“We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation,” said Onanuga.
He asserted that the Nigerian Government is under the leadership of a pro-democracy activist president who will do everything in his power to safeguard civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.
“There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the government,” he added.
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