In a robust response to claims of human rights abuses made during the Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference in London, the Nigerian government has categorically denied any violations and defended its legal framework.
The statement, issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, addresses allegations arising from the travel restrictions imposed on Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
Ajaero was reportedly barred from traveling abroad after he neglected an invitation from law enforcement regarding an ongoing investigation.
“Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria,” the statement reads, underscoring that in Nigeria, “no one is above the law.”
The press release emphasized that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, mandates compliance with lawful investigations.
“Clearly, under the Constitution, no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation,” the statement asserted, aligning Nigeria’s legal principles with those of other civilized nations.
Drawing parallels with the United States, Onanuga noted, “In the United States, for example, former President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous investigations and prosecutions… Mr. Hunter Biden, son of the President of the United States, has been the subject of a lawful investigation by the FBI.”
This comparison aims to underscore that accountability to the law is a standard practice, irrespective of one’s position.
The Nigerian government firmly rejected the notion of human rights violations, labeling the accusations made by the UK TUC as “unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation.” It further highlighted that the current administration is led by a “pro-democracy activist president who will do everything to protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.”
Onanuga clarified the relationship between the Nigerian government and the labor movement, stating, “There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the government.”
He acknowledged that while disagreements on policy may arise, the government has consistently shown a willingness to engage with labor unions, despite their political partisanship.
The statement also emphasized the responsibility of citizens, including labor leaders, to cooperate with security agencies.
“As a responsible citizen of Nigeria, Mr. Ajaero should honor any invitation from our security agencies and resolve any issues that may arise during the investigation instead of stirring adverse public opinion against the security agencies,” Onanuga remarked.
In an effort to further clarify the government’s stance, he pointed out that the invitation extended to Ajaero was unrelated to his position as NLC President, reiterating that it was a matter of legal obligation.
Onanuga also took the opportunity to critique the historical positions of labor unions in Nigeria, noting that “many ideological stances of the labour unions… have only stunted economic growth and development of the country.”
He referenced past opposition to the sale of refineries, stating that “seventeen years after the labour movement forced the successor government of Umar Yar’Adua to cancel the sale… none of the four government-owned refineries worked.”
The statement concluded with a commitment from President Tinubu’s administration to pursue economic policies that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians. “The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges,” Onanuga affirmed, reiterating the government’s commitment to creating prosperity for its citizens.
