Presidency denies allegations of human rights violations by UK labour organization
By Kunle Sanni
The Nigerian presidency has rejected claims made by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom, accusing the Nigerian government of human rights abuses.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), the presidency denounced these allegations as false.
The statement clarified that the Nigerian government was mischaracterized in the matter concerning the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, who had been prevented from traveling abroad.
Onanuga explained that Ajaero’s travel was restricted because he had ignored a summons from a law enforcement agency involved in an ongoing investigation.
Earlier on Monday, Ajaero had been detained briefly by the Department of State Services (DSS) but was released on bail later that night.
Onanuga emphasized that no labor leader anywhere in the world, including the USA or UK, would disregard the summons of their respective intelligence or law enforcement agencies as Ajaero had done with Nigerian authorities.
He stated, “Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, no one is above the law or lawful investigations. Like other civilized nations, Nigeria is governed by its Constitution.”
Onanuga compared the situation to former President Donald Trump, who has faced numerous investigations and legal challenges in the USA since leaving office. He also criticized the organized labor’s opposition to the sale of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to Bluestar Consortium in 2007, during the administration of late President Umar Yar’Adua.
He added, “The Nigerian Government is led by a pro-democracy president committed to protecting civil liberties and the rights of all citizens. There is no adversarial relationship between the labor movement and the government. While there may be disagreements on policy, the government remains open to engaging with labor despite its political stance.”
Onanuga underscored that the DSS’s invitation to Ajaero was unrelated to his position with the NLC. He urged Ajaero to comply with such invitations to address any issues and avoid fueling negative public sentiment against security agencies.
The statement also highlighted the historical opposition of labor unions to economic policies, which, according to Onanuga, has sometimes hindered economic growth and development in Nigeria.
He cited the opposition to the sale of the refineries and noted that, while labor unions fought against the deal, the same unions have since praised Aliko Dangote for his new refinery project.
Onanuga concluded by assuring that President Tinubu’s administration will continue to focus on policies that enhance Nigeria’s economic prospects and benefit its citizens despite current challenges.
