The Presidency has defended the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, emphasizing that no one is above the law in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, addressed the situation, which had drawn widespread criticism. Ajaero was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport on Monday while en route to the United Kingdom and was released after 15 hours of questioning.
The incident sparked backlash from various individuals and civil society groups, accusing the government of human rights violations. Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the UK Trade Union Congress (TUC), condemned the arrest during the annual conference of Britain’s trade unions, calling it a breach of trade union freedoms.
Onanuga responded by rejecting claims of rights violations, stating that Ajaero’s arrest was lawful and in line with Nigeria’s constitution. He argued that Ajaero had disregarded an invitation from the DSS, adding that in countries like the UK and the US, no one, including trade union leaders, would ignore the summons of law enforcement agencies.
In the statement titled “Nigeria, a Country Governed by Law,” Onanuga compared the situation to legal actions against public figures in other countries, referencing the ongoing investigations of former US President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden.
The Presidency rejected accusations of human rights abuses, emphasizing that the federal government, led by a pro-democracy president, is committed to protecting civil liberties. Onanuga stressed that the government is not in conflict with the labour movement and is open to engagement on policy issues. He reiterated that Ajaero’s arrest was unrelated to his role as NLC President, urging him to cooperate with the investigation.
Onanuga also criticized Nigeria’s labour unions for past actions that allegedly hindered economic growth, citing their opposition to the 2007 sale of refineries. He pointed out that while the unions opposed the sale, Aliko Dangote later built the largest single-train refinery in the world.
The Tinubu administration, the statement concluded, will continue to pursue policies that promote economic growth and prosperity for all Nigerians.
