CISLAC Condemns Alleged Police Intimidation of NLC Leadership
Maryam Aminu
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned what it views as an alarming attempt by security forces to intimidate the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
The advocacy group raised concerns over recent developments, including the deployment of armed security personnel to the NLC’s headquarters in Abuja and the subsequent summoning of NLC President Joe Ajaero by the police.
In a statement issued by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organization expressed shock over the sudden siege of the NLC complex on August 7, 2024.
He noted that the security operation came just hours after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting criticized the government’s handling of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
“Ajaero has been summoned by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Response Team (IRT), to answer allegations of “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime and he is expected to report to the IRT Complex in Abuja on August 20, 2024.”
CISLAC emphasized that while it does not oppose police investigations, such inquiries must be conducted with transparency and fairness.
CISLAC Executive Director stressed the importance of ensuring that the investigation is not a means to unjustly target the NLC or its leadership.
The statement also touched on broader issues of security in Nigeria, criticizing the government’s failure to address the activities of criminals, including kidnappers and terrorist financiers.
CISLAC highlighted the recent kidnapping of the Emir of Gobir as a glaring example of the ineffectiveness of the security agencies, contrasting this with the heavy-handed response to peaceful protests.
Rafsanjani warned that the ongoing actions against the NLC could have serious implications for Nigeria’s global image, potentially being viewed as an effort to suppress civil society and dissent under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He urged the President to take steps to prevent further damage to the country’s reputation and to ensure that the rights of peaceful Nigerians are protected.
CISLAC also called on other civil society organizations, journalists, and trade unions to be alert to the possibility of similar tactics being used against them.
Rafsanjani cautioned that the current situation poses a significant threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and urged a collective effort to defend civil liberties.
CISLAC Boss urged for the restoration of public trust in the nation’s security and judicial systems, highlighting the need for the government to demonstrate its commitment to justice and fairness.
