NLC Details Armed Invasion of Headquarters, Calls for International Inquiry

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has disclosed the details of an armed invasion of its headquarters, Labour House, in Abuja by security operatives on Wednesday night. The NLC has demanded an international inquiry into the incident, labeling it a severe affront to democratic principles.

Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, illustrated the urgency and gravity of the situation, underscoring the need for global attention and intervention. The NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Benson Upah, issued a statement directing all staff to avoid the Labour House until it is confirmed that no incriminating or harmful substances were planted during the invasion.

The statement emphasized the violation of democratic norms, warning of a potential shift towards a police state in Nigeria. The NLC reported that around 8:30 PM, heavily armed security personnel from various agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), stormed the Labour House, arresting the security officer on duty and ransacking offices in search of so-called seditious materials.

Despite lacking any legal documentation, the operatives broke into offices, particularly targeting the bookshop on the second floor, seizing hundreds of books and publications. The NLC condemned this action as an unprecedented low in Nigeria’s security operations, even compared to the dark days of military rule.

Earlier that day, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC had condemned the harsh treatment of protesters and the mass arrests of perceived protest leaders, criticizing the misuse of “treason” charges to suppress dissent. The subsequent invasion of the Labour House was seen as a further escalation of these repressive tactics.

In light of these events, the NLC is calling for an international inquiry to investigate the invasion and hold those responsible accountable. The NLC also demands the immediate withdrawal of security forces from its premises and the return of the seized materials by the end of the workday on August 8, 2024.

The NLC warned that if the harassment continues, it might have to instruct its members to stay home for their safety. The organization stressed that stifling public discourse and peaceful protest amid the nation’s current hardships would only exacerbate the situation, urging a timely intervention to prevent further deterioration.