The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), and Amnesty Internationa have strongly condemned what they called the unwarranted raid on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters by a team of security operatives. This Gestapo-style operation, which involved forcefully gaining entry into the offices of the labour union, as CNPP said, is a blatant disregard for the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
According to a statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, CNPP Deputy National Publicity Secretary: “It is appalling that this incident occurred under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was produced through opposition struggle and has presented himself as a democrat over the years. The CNPP demands that President Tinubu immediately call to order the security agencies that are turning Nigeria into a police state, attacking opposition voices, and hounding them into detention in a manner reminiscent of a draconian military junta, it added:
Below is its statement:
Statement by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) Condemning the Raid on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Headquarters
We, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), strongly condemn the unwarranted raid on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters by a team of security operatives. This Gestapo-style operation, which involved forcefully gaining entry into the offices of the labour union, is a blatant disregard for the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
It is appalling that this incident occurred under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was produced through opposition struggle and has presented himself as a democrat over the years. The CNPP demands that President Tinubu immediately call to order the security agencies that are turning Nigeria into a police state, attacking opposition voices, and hounding them into detention in a manner reminiscent of a draconian military junta.
While we are not advocating for violent agitation, or protests, or distribution of inciting materials, we cannot accept the high-handedness of our security forces within civilian environments. At a time when farmers cannot farm in peace due to insecurity, the attempt to gag citizens or intimidate them into submission is unacceptable to a civilized society. This approach will only embolden the masses and earn more hatred for the Tinubu administration from people who are already undergoing unbearable economic pains and worsening hunger.
As the saying goes, “a hungry man is an angry man.” We warn that if the Tinubu administration forgets that Mr. President was a product of the trenches, it may be disastrous for the economy if security agencies push citizens underground through the ongoing high-handedness.
We call on President Tinubu to respect the rights of citizens, including the NLC, and to focus on addressing the economic and security challenges facing the nation. The CNPP will continue to speak out against any form of oppression and advocate for the rights of Nigerians under a democratic and constitutional governance where the welfare of the citizens remain a top priority at all times.
Signed,
Comrade James Ezema
Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP)
Amnesty International condemns attack on NLC headquarters
Also, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Country Director of Amnesty International, today condemned the invasion of the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a ststament, described the invasions as a “sinister and calculated attack” designed to intimidate the labour union.
He stated, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the brazen invasion of the headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress by a contingent of armed security personnel. The chilling raid last night appears to be part of a sinister and calculated attack designed to intimidate the labour union.”
Sanusi expressed concern about the safety of NLC officials, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the safety of NLC officials. Under international human rights law and standards, trade unions cannot be targeted for their participating activities.”
Amnesty International emphasised that Nigeria has an obligation to respect and protect the rights of trade unions under international human rights law.
Sanusi added, “Under international human rights law, Nigeria has an obligation not only to respect the rights of trade unions but also to protect these rights from abuse.”