DSS bows to pressure, releases Ajaero’s seized passport, phones, as FG faults UK TUC claims
…Tinubu’s administration worse than Abacha’s regime, surpasses military dictatorship – Atiku
…No human rights violations here – FG fires back at UK TUC
By Sodiq Adelakun
In a turn of events, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday released the seized passport and phones of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, following widespread outrage and pressure from labour unions and civil society groups.
The release comes as the Federal Government faulted claims by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom, accusing Nigeria of human rights abuse.
The government insisted that Ajaero’s detention was a result of his disregard for the law, and not a violation of his rights.
Recall that DSS had seized Ajaero’s phones and passport following his arrest and detention on Monday in Abuja.
“They refused to release his passport and initially his phones but returned his phone last night after he refused to leave the DSS headquarters without his phones. This morning (Tuesday), they finally released his passport to him through his lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, from the Femi & Falana’s Chambers,” lawyers close to Ajaero told newsmen.
Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in London. His detention sparked widespread concerns and intense speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention.
“We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive. His detention is therefore a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body,” the NLC said in a statement.
“His detention is a brazen act of intimidation and completely unjustified under the laws of our nation. The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers,” the NLC added.
“This is an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies in their bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition in the country as the economic policies of the government continue to afflict the people with monumental suffering and hardship.
“In light of this troubling development, the Congress puts all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert. The Congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon. Accordingly, we demand for the immediate and unconditional release of comrade Joe Ajaero,” the NLC demanded.
…Tinubu’s administration worse than Abacha’s regime, surpasses military dictatorship – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denounced the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS) and accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of exerting oppressive control that surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.
In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Atiku expressed concern over the escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Tinubu administration. He stated that Ajaero’s arrest exemplifies the current administration’s persistent efforts to intimidate and suppress organised labour.
Atiku also criticised the DSS raid on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office, calling it a grave affront to democratic values. He urged Tinubu and his security apparatus to redirect their fervour and intimidation towards the true perpetrators of violence – terrorists and bandits – who are inflicting immeasurable suffering upon the Nigerian people.
“The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing. The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship,” Atiku said.
“The recent arrest of Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, en route to an official event, epitomises this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organised labour,” he added.
Atiku’s statement comes after Ajaero was arrested by the DSS on Monday morning at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while heading to the UK for official duties. Ajaero was held in custody throughout the day and was released late Monday night.
…No human rights violations here – FG fires back at UK TUC
Also, in a strongly worded response to the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom, the Federal government has categorically denied any human rights abuse in the country.
The response comes after the UK TUC leader made claims about human rights violations in Nigeria during the opening of their conference in London.
According to Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian government was ‘wrongly 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.
“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,” Onanuga said.
The government also drew parallels with the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, stating that no one is above the law.
“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.”
Onanuga emphasised that Nigeria is a country governed by law and that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) is clear on the issue.
“No person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation.”
The government also rejected any notion of human rights violations in Nigeria, stating that the accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation.
While acknowledging that labour unions and the government may not always agree on policy direction, the Special Adviser said the government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship.
Onanuga reiterated that the administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges, and “will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens.”
