..Decry raid as threat to free expression, demand govt action
…Atiku urges probe, decries assault on democratic rights
…An attack on civic space – Amnesty International
Controversy surrounds the recent raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters, with the Department of State Services (DSS) denying involvement amid widespread protests.
Opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have weighed in, condemning the attack and demanding accountability.
According to the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, the raid commenced around 8:30 pm. Upah detailed that the operatives apprehended the NLC security guard on duty, forcing him to lead them to the second floor where they demanded access to the offices.
When the guard was unable to produce the keys, the operatives forcibly entered and ransacked the bookshop on that floor, making off with hundreds of books and other publications.
In response to the incident, the NLC has instructed its staff to avoid the building until it is confirmed that no incriminating materials or harmful substances were planted by the raiders. The labour union has condemned what it views as an erosion of democratic principles and accused the government of attempts to establish a police state.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that its operatives raided the headquarters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja.
DSS Spokesperson Peter Afunanya on Thursday refuted the accusation, stating that the agency had no involvement in the incident. “The Service (DSS) did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja,” Afunanya said in a brief statement.
This response comes as Nigerians continue to protest against the escalating cost of living and inflation, which has fueled unrest and violent incidents across the country.
…TUC decries NLC HQ raid as threat to free expression, demands govt action
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has also strongly condemned the recent raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters by security operatives and is calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement, TUC President Festus Osifo described the invasion as a “troubling act” that threatens fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression.
He expressed concerns over the reported confiscation of books from the NLC library, which were allegedly seized in a search for materials related to the “End Bad Governance” protests.
“This action represents an overreach by security forces and poses a threat to the democratic principles that allow for peaceful dissent and free expression,” Osifo said.
“We consider this invasion a direct attack on the rights of Nigerian citizens to freely express their views and access information.”
The TUC has called on the Federal Government to take swift action, including the return of all seized materials and holding those responsible accountable. The organisation emphasised the need for reassurance that Nigerian citizens’ rights are protected and that security agencies adhere to legal boundaries, respecting constitutional freedoms.
…Atiku urges probe, decries assault on democratic rights
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an investigation into the raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters, denouncing the action as a violation of democratic rights.
In a statement, Atiku denounced the raid, stating, “The invasion of the NLC office represents an unacceptable assault on democratic freedoms and an attempt to stifle dissent.” He further asserted, “This action undermines the fundamental rights of Nigerians to freely express their views and access information.”
The raid, which reportedly involved the confiscation of books and documents related to the “End Bad Governance” protests, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.
…An attack on civic space – Amnesty International
In the same vein, Amnesty International has denounced the raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters as an attack on civic space, following reports that security operatives confiscated materials and intimidated the union.
Amnesty International has sharply criticised the recent raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja, describing it as a blatant attack on civic space and workers’ rights.
The raid, which took place late Wednesday night, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and labour groups.
Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, condemned the operation, stating, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the brazen invasion of the headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress by a contingent of armed security personnel.
Sanusi described the raid as part of a “sinister and calculated attack designed to intimidate the labour union,” adding that it undermines workers’ rights to organise and bargain collectively.