ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and the unannounced visit to Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)’s office by the Department of State Security (DSS).
A statement signed by the Country Director,
ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said despite the DSS’s claim that the recent incident at SERAP’s office was misconstrued as harassment and intimidation, ActionAid Nigeria views this unwarranted ‘visit’ as a clear attempt to suppress the voices of Nigerians advocating for fair treatment and relief from economic hardship.
Following the news of Ajaero’s release, the DSS must immediately provide a clear explanation for their actions, including the legal grounds and evidence supporting this arrest. Anything less would be a blatant violation of Nigerian human rights, a clear assault on democratic freedoms, and an intentional strategy to instil fear in the hearts of many Nigerians to not speak up.
Mamedu said: “We will not tolerate a return to the era of military-style repression, where security agencies operated above the law and citizens lived in fear of speaking out. ActionAid Nigeria and the Nigerian citizens demand better from the government and its agencies. We expect transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
“Furthermore, in an ideal society, The Nigerian Police, not the DSS, should be handling these kinds of arrests and inspection.”
He said: “ActionAid Nigeria will continue to mobilise and demand justice for all Nigerians whose rights are being violated according to the terms of the Nigerian Constitution.”
Michael Olugbode
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