A raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters late Wednesday night by security agents has sparked a wave of outrage across the country. Although the Department of State Services (DSS) was initially implicated, the agency quickly denied any involvement.
Reports indicate that the raid, which occurred around 10 PM, was possibly linked to the recent nationwide protests against economic hardship. The DSS, however, distanced itself from the operation, with its spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, stating: “The DSS did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja.”
Key political figures, civil society organizations, and international bodies, including former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Amnesty International, and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), have all expressed their condemnation of the raid.
The NLC, in its response, called for an international inquiry, labeling the incident as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Benson Upah, stated that the staff were directed to stay away from the office following the invasion, which has drawn disbelief and outrage from affiliates worldwide.
Atiku Abubakar condemned the raid, calling it a breach of civil liberties incompatible with democratic principles. He stressed that such actions, without a court order and carried out in secrecy, suggest a drift towards militarization under the current administration.
Peter Obi echoed these sentiments, describing the raid as an attempt to intimidate the NLC and an action unbecoming of a democratic society. He emphasized that proper channels should have been used if the security agencies had any concerns.
The ITUC demanded an immediate investigation and the return of any property taken during the raid, urging the Nigerian government to respect labor and trade union rights. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also denounced the invasion, calling it a violation of fundamental rights and demanding accountability.
Amnesty International described the raid as a “sinister and calculated attack” aimed at intimidating the NLC. The human rights organization reiterated Nigeria’s obligation under international law to protect the rights of trade unions.
Prominent lawyers and activists, including Mike Ozekhome and Femi Falana, also weighed in, with Falana urging the Inspector-General of Police to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the raid. He warned that such actions are reminiscent of the repressive tactics used during Nigeria’s military dictatorship.
In a broader criticism, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and activist Deji Adeyanju expressed concerns about the government’s disregard for democratic principles, arguing that the raid signifies an alarming erosion of civil liberties under the current administration.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, with calls for the government to respect the rights of citizens and labor unions.
