Protests Mount: Trade Union Congress Urges Immediate Liberation of Detained Activist Sowore, Fearing Resurgence of Dictatorial Rule in Nigeria
Nigeria Labour Congress Demands Immediate Release of Omoyele Sowore
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the repeated detention and harassment of civil rights activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. In a statement made by NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Thursday, the Labour Union described the Sowore saga as a denial of his fundamental human right.
The NLC considers the continued detention of Sowore without charging him to court as unacceptable. The Labour Union is concerned that the actions of the Police Force could push Nigeria back into the days of dictatorship, where fear replaces freedom and dissent is met with brute force.
The NLC stands in solidarity with all victims of repression and reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of the working class and the oppressed. The statement also calls for an end to the harassment and intimidation of activists and all voices of dissent.
Sowore was invited by the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja over allegations of forgery and criminal defamation. However, the Labour Union advocates for respect of constitutional rights and suggests that complaints against Sowore should be pursued in court rather than through arbitrary police actions.
The NLC's stance aligns with broader concerns about government overreach and the possible slide back into authoritarianism or dictatorship. The Labour Union urges full adherence to the rule of law and constitutional guarantees of free speech and assembly.
Reports suggest that Sowore sustained injuries during his detention, which further fueled civil society and labour groups' outrage. If Sowore has been injured during his arrest, the NLC strongly condemns it.
The NLC warns that silence in the face of such repression is complicity. The Labour Union warns against Nigeria descending into a police state and reaffirms its commitment to strengthened Justice and Democracy.
Following intense pressure including protests and advocacy led by NLC and other groups, Sowore was released after 48 hours in police custody. The NLC’s involvement was highlighted as pivotal in forcing a government concession regarding Sowore’s release.
In summary, the NLC’s statement on Sowore’s detention is a firm stand against repression, affirming constitutional freedoms, criticizing abuse of state power, demanding legal accountability over arbitrary actions, and encouraging collective pressure to protect democratic rights in Nigeria. The Labour Union urges that if Sowore has offended any person in power, legal options should be adopted instead of harassment.
- The NLC also calls for an end to the harassment and intimidation of activists like Tinubu in Nigeria's general news, voicing concerns about potential infringements on free speech and assembly.
- The Labour Union's stance on policy-and-legislation issues extends beyond Sowore's case, advocating for a stronger economy and a Naija where the rights of every citizen are prioritized and protected.
- In the face of mounting concern over political repression, the NLC appeals to the government and the Abuja-based authority figures to responsibly address issues and avoid resorting to heavy-handed tactics.
- The NLC emphasizes the crucial role of activists like Sowore in shaping the nation's future, stressing the need for a peaceful and just Nigeria that listens to the voices of its citizens and respects their opinions.
