Segun Atanda/
The Nigerian government has refuted allegations of human rights violations made by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom.
The accusations arose after Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), was prevented from traveling abroad. The UK TUC leader claimed this was evidence of rights abuse in Nigeria, sparking international attention during the ongoing TUC conference in London.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, the government clarified that Ajaero’s travel restrictions were linked to his refusal to respond to an invitation from Nigerian law enforcement, not to any political interference.
The statement emphasized that Nigeria, like the United Kingdom and other democratic nations, is governed by the rule of law, and no one, including union leaders, is exempt from legal summons.
Drawing comparisons to high-profile investigations in the United States, the government pointed out that even prominent figures like former President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, have been subjects of lawful investigations without framing it as rights abuse.
“No person is above the law,” the statement noted, reinforcing that Ajaero’s situation stemmed from a legitimate investigation.
The Nigerian government further rejected any notion of hostility towards the Labour Movement. It stated that while disagreements on policy may occur, there is always room for constructive engagement between the government and labour unions.
The administration also highlighted past instances where union actions, such as the opposition to the sale of government refineries, stifled economic progress.
Bayo Onanuga’s statement concluded with a reminder that Nigeria remains committed to civil liberties and that President Bola Tinubu, a pro-democracy activist, will uphold the rights of all citizens while pursuing economic policies that benefit the nation.
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