The Nigerian government has called on the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, to stop disregarding invitations from the Department of State Services (DSS) amidst an ongoing investigation. The plea came in response to accusations made by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom, which recently opened its annual conference in London with allegations of human rights abuses in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
The UK TUC\u2019s allegations were tied to an incident where Ajaero was prevented from traveling abroad after repeatedly ignoring the DSS’s invitation. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), the Presidency debunked the claims, asserting that Ajaero\u2019s travel restrictions were a lawful consequence of his refusal to comply with a legitimate investigation, rather than an abuse of his human rights.<\/p>\n
Onanuga explained that Ajaero, scheduled to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader criticized Nigeria, had blatantly ignored the DSS’s requests to appear for questioning. “Ajaero probably considers himself above the law,” Onanuga remarked, adding that no individual in Nigeria, regardless of their status, is exempt from cooperating with law enforcement agencies.<\/p>\n
The statement emphasized that under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), no one is above the summons of law enforcement agencies or lawful investigations. Nigeria, like the United Kingdom, the United States, and other democratic nations, operates as a country governed by the rule of law.<\/p>\n
“We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom, Europe, or the United States, including trade union leaders, who would flagrantly ignore a summons from MI5, Scotland Yard, or the FBI with the same level of disdain that Mr. Ajaero has shown towards Nigerian law enforcement,” the statement read.<\/p>\n
Onanuga further highlighted that even prominent figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, have complied with investigations by U.S. authorities. He argued that comparing Ajaero’s situation to human rights abuses is not only inaccurate but also misleading.<\/p>\n
The Nigerian government firmly rejected the accusations of human rights abuses leveled by the UK TUC, labeling them as unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the events surrounding Ajaero\u2019s travel restrictions. Onanuga reiterated that Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, a former pro-democracy activist, remains committed to protecting civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.<\/p>\n
“There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the government,” the statement affirmed. While the government and labour unions may not always align on policy issues, Onanuga underscored that the administration has consistently engaged with unions in good faith, despite the NLC’s often partisan stance.<\/p>\n
Contrary to the narrative being promoted by Ajaero and his allies, the DSS’s invitation to him has no connection to his position as NLC President. Instead, it is part of a routine and lawful investigation, and as a responsible Nigerian citizen, Ajaero is expected to honor the summons.<\/p>\n
“It is crucial for Ajaero to resolve any issues arising from the investigation by cooperating with security agencies, rather than stirring public opinion against them,” Onanuga cautioned.<\/p>\n
While addressing the allegations against the government, the Presidency also seized the opportunity to reflect on the role of the labour movement in Nigeria’s economic development. Onanuga noted that while labour unions exist to defend workers’ rights, many of their past ideological positions have hindered the country\u2019s economic growth and compromised the well-being of workers and the poor.<\/p>\n
One notable example, he said, was the NLC and TUC’s opposition to the sale of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to Bluestar Consortium in 2007, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The deal, promoted by prominent businessmen Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, was seen as a path to privatizing and revitalizing Nigeria\u2019s failing refineries. However, labour protests led to the cancellation of the sale by then-President Umaru Yar\u2019Adua. Seventeen years later, none of the four government-owned refineries have been fully functional.<\/p>\n
In a twist of irony, Aliko Dangote, whom the labour movement opposed in 2007, has since built the largest single-train refinery in the world, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, in Lagos. The same labour unions that opposed his earlier efforts have now lauded Dangote\u2019s achievement.<\/p>\n
“The lesson here is that rigid ideological positions can sometimes fly in the face of economic realities,” Onanuga stated. He urged the labour movement to adopt a more pragmatic approach in future engagements with the government to ensure that Nigeria\u2019s economic growth is not stunted by misplaced opposition.<\/p>\n
Onanuga concluded by reaffirming President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting the economic well-being of all Nigerians, despite current challenges. The government will continue to pursue policies that expand national economic output and create prosperity for the citizens. The Presidency urged labour unions to work with the administration in achieving these goals, rather than hindering progress with partisan or ideological posturing.<\/p>\n
“Nigeria\u2019s future is one that must be built on collaboration, not confrontation,” Onanuga said, stressing that the government remains open to dialogue with the labour movement but expects all citizens, including union leaders, to respect the law and cooperate with lawful investigations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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