The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as “desperate attempts” to silence the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) following allegations brought against the union’s leadership. In a strongly worded statement, CISLAC condemned the recent police actions, which it sees as an effort to undermine the rights and freedoms of Nigerian workers.
CISLAC recalled that on August 7, 2024, heavily armed security personnel unexpectedly surrounded the NLC’s headquarters, commonly known as Labour House, in Abuja. The siege came shortly after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting, where members had criticized the heavy-handed tactics used by security forces during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The organization highlighted the alarming development in which the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was summoned by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Ajaero is required to appear on August 20, 2024, to answer allegations ranging from “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”
CISLAC emphasized that while it does not oppose legitimate police investigations, such inquiries must be transparent and free from political manipulation. The organization stressed that the integrity of both the NLC and the police force is at stake, warning that anything less than a credible investigation would further erode public trust in Nigeria’s security agencies.
The statement also criticized the government’s failure to effectively address the activities of known criminals, such as terrorist financiers and kidnappers, while security forces have allegedly targeted peaceful protesters with excessive force. CISLAC noted that recent incidents, such as the kidnapping of the Emir of Gobir and the inability of the police to apprehend the culprits, raise serious concerns about the priorities and effectiveness of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, CISLAC expressed disappointment that police officers, who are also victims of poor governance, are being used to suppress legitimate protests. The organization warned that this could severely damage the international reputation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that such actions might be viewed as attempts to stifle civil liberties.
CISLAC called on President Tinubu to take immediate action to protect civil space and prevent further damage to Nigeria’s image abroad. The organization also urged non-state actors, including journalists and civil society organizations, to remain vigilant against potential attempts by desperate politicians to frame them or undermine their credibility.
The statement was signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria, who reiterated the organization’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions.