By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Nigerian government has denied accusations of human rights abuse made by the UK Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The government said Ajaero was arrested because he refused to cooperate with a law enforcement agency investigating a matter.
The government emphasized that no one, including Ajaero, is above the law in Nigeria.
The government’s response came after Ajaero was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the airport while trying to travel to the UK for a conference. Ajaero has since been released and had his passport and phone returned to him.
The government pointed out that even high profile individuals in other countries, like former US President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s son Hunter, have been investigated and prosecuted by law enforcement agencies. The government rejected the notion of human rights violations and said it is committed to protecting civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.
The government also said that Ajaero’s arrest had nothing to do with his role as NLC president, but rather his failure to cooperate with the investigation. The government told Ajaero to resolve any issues arising from the investigation instead of stirring up public opinion against the security agencies.
The government acknowledged the importance of the labour movement in protecting workers’ interests but noted that some of its ideological stances have prevented economic growth and development in the past. The government emphasized its commitment to promoting the best economic interests of Nigerians and following policies that expand national economic output and create prosperity for citizens.
