Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has described police actions against the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, as desperate attempts to incriminate, silence, and blackmail labour.
CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, in a statement expressed deep concern over the police actions.
On August 7, 2024, heavily armed security forces stormed the NLC complex shortly after a National Executive Council meeting where members criticised police tactics during #EndBadGovernance protests.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, has been summoned by the police for questioning regarding serious allegations, including terrorism financing and treason.
The invitation requires his presence on August 20, 2024, raising alarms about the integrity of the investigation process.
CISLAC insisted that any police investigation must be transparent to restore public trust in security agencies, which have faced criticism for failing to address rampant criminal activities.
The organisation warned that the current climate could damage President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s global reputation, urging a re-evaluation of police priorities to protect civil rights and democratic integrity.
Rafsanjani said: “While we do not oppose a police investigation, we insist it must be conducted in an open and transparent manner. This investigation must continue so that Nigerians can clearly see the government is not fabricating allegations. The integrity of both the NLC and the police is at stake.
“Only through a transparent and credible investigation process can Nigerians regain confidence in our security agencies…”
The government and security agencies must do everything possible to restore trust and confidence in our criminal justice system, as citizens are rapidly losing faith in its ability to deliver justice fairly.
“Many Nigerians are frustrated by the government’s failure to address the activities of known criminals, including terrorist financiers, kidnappers, bandits, and corrupt public officials who openly terrorise citizens. The recent kidnapping of the Emir of Gobir, along with a video from the bandits demanding ransom, is a stark reminder of this issue. Despite these blatant acts, the police have been unable to track down these perpetrators, raising serious questions about their effectiveness.
“In contrast, security forces have been recorded shooting and harming innocent protesters using live ammunition, even those outside designated protest areas, who are speaking out against issues like insecurity, hunger, and unemployment.
“This situation reflects a serious misplacement of priorities. The police must prove they are not being used as a tool to undermine the legitimate struggles of the citizenry.
“It is particularly disheartening that the police officers involved in these actions are themselves victims of poor governance, substandard living conditions, and loss of life, with even retired officers struggling to receive their benefits due to the corrupt system in the country.
“This action worries us, as it has the tendency to further damage the global reputation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, being seen as an attempt to suffocate civil space. This could have severe consequences for Nigeria’s image on the international stage. We advise the president must make a personal effort to checkmate those who are de-marketing his administration with his name and his personality with these brutal violations of the rights of peaceful Nigerians.
“We urge non-state actors to recognise this as a wake-up call, as desperate politicians may attempt similar tactics to frame journalists, credible civil society organisations, Academic Staff Union of Universities, other trade unions, and non-violent mass democratic organisations. The integrity of our democratic institutions is at serious risk.