Bilkisu Adejoh
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a “desperate attempt” to silence the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) amid the ongoing investigations into the organization’s leadership.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC condemned the recent actions of security forces, which included the unexpected siege of the NLC complex in Abuja on August 7, 2024.
He expressed that the incident occurred just hours after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting criticized the government’s heavy-handed approach during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The situation escalated further when NLC President Joe Ajaero received a summons from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), on charges of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.” Ajaero has been requested to appear for an interview at the IRT Complex in Guzape District, Abuja, on August 20, 2024.
CISLAC has called for the investigation to be conducted transparently, urging that the process be fair and open to scrutiny.
Rafsanjani stressed that both the integrity of the NLC and the police are at stake, and that the investigation should not be a means to fabricate charges against the labour leadership.
He further highlighted growing public frustration with the government’s handling of security issues, citing the recent kidnapping of the Emir of Gobir and the increasing activities of criminals who operate with impunity.
CISLAC contrasted this with what it perceives as the misplaced priorities of the police, who have been accused of using excessive force against peaceful protesters.
Rafsanjani expressed concern that the ongoing situation could further damage Nigeria’s international reputation, warning that it could be seen as an attempt by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stifle civil liberties.
He advised the President to take personal action to prevent further erosion of the country’s democratic institutions.
CISLAC also urged other non-state actors, including journalists and civil society organizations, to be vigilant, warning that they too could become targets of similar tactics aimed at suppressing dissent and criticism.
Rafsanjani called for urgent action to restore public trust in the country’s security and justice systems.
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