By Uzair Adam
The Federal Government has dismissed accusations of human rights violations following the recent arrest of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ajaero was detained at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a conference of the UK Trade Union Congress (TUC).
In response to concerns raised by the UK TUC and other international bodies, the Federal Government, through a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that no individual, including the NLC president, is above the law.
According to the government, Ajaero had failed to honor an invitation from a law enforcement agency, which led to his detention.
The government clarified that the arrest was part of an ongoing investigation, stressing that the action was not connected to Ajaero’s position within the labor movement.
Onanuga further compared the situation to high-profile investigations in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where even prominent figures such as Donald Trump and Hunter Biden have been subject to legal scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Ajaero, who was released late on Monday, confirmed that his international passport and mobile phones were returned by the DSS.
The secret police also clarified that their presence at the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) was part of an investigation and not an invasion.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the government’s actions, describing them as oppressive and reminiscent of military dictatorships.
However, the DSS denied allegations of harassment, stating that its agents were simply conducting routine inquiries.
The Nigerian Labour Congress continues to monitor the situation closely, reiterating the need for justice and protecting the rights of workers.