The recent arrest of Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), on allegations of terrorism has raised serious concerns about the misuse of security agencies to intimidate civil society leaders. While the charges against Ajaero have yet to be substantiated, the circumstances surrounding his arrest reflect a disturbing pattern in Nigeria where dissenting voices, particularly those advocating for workers’ rights, are often met with state repression.
At the heart of this issue is the presumption of innocence, a fundamental pillar of justice. Joe Ajaero, like every Nigerian citizen, is entitled to due process. The allegations of terrorism are serious, but they remain unproven. Until evidence is presented in a transparent and legal manner, the labor leader should not be subjected to arbitrary detention or harassment. His arrest, particularly if carried out without a proper warrant, as some reports suggest, violates his constitutional rights and sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in Nigeria.
The use of security agencies to target civil society leaders is not new in Nigeria. Over the years, many activists, union leaders, and opposition figures have been arrested on vague charges, only to be released after intense public pressure or lack of evidence. Such actions undermine the credibility of the country’s security agencies, painting them as tools of political repression rather than protectors of public safety. In Joe Ajaero’s case, the fact that he represents the NLC, a key institution in Nigeria’s democracy, makes this arrest all the more troubling. The NLC plays a critical role in advocating for workers’ rights, economic justice, and holding the government accountable. Any attempt to intimidate its leaders must be seen as an attack on the broader civil rights movement.
Moreover, the argument that security agents can act with overzealousness but should not be disregarded misses the point. Overreach by security forces is unacceptable in any democratic society. The law exists to protect citizens from precisely such abuses of power. Security agencies, while essential for maintaining order, must operate within the bounds of legality and respect the civil liberties of all citizens, regardless of their position or influence. If these agencies are permitted to act with impunity, it opens the door to authoritarianism.
Comrade Ajaero’s decision to travel abroad rather than attend a DSS interview may be interpreted by some as avoidance, but it is important to understand the broader context. Many civil society leaders in Nigeria have faced politically motivated detentions and harassment under the guise of national security. Ajaero’s actions should be seen as a response to this historical pattern of intimidation rather than a guilty man attempting to evade justice. It is not uncommon for civil society leaders to protect themselves against arbitrary arrests, especially when there is a reasonable fear that the legal process may be compromised.
The narrative that there is “no smoke without fire” is a simplistic and dangerous one. It assumes guilt based on mere allegations, which undermines the presumption of innocence. In a legal system that is often manipulated for political purposes, such a mindset can easily be weaponized to silence dissent and stifle opposition. Comrade Ajaero’s position as a leader of the NLC does not grant him immunity from the law, but it also does not strip him of his right to fair treatment and due process.
Another troubling aspect of this issue is the dismissal of concerns regarding ethnic bias. Nigeria’s political landscape has long been shaped by ethnic tensions, and it is not unreasonable for some to suspect that Ajaero, an Igbo man, may be targeted due to his ethnic background. While it is important to avoid inflaming ethnic divisions, dismissing these concerns outright without a thorough investigation ignores Nigeria’s complex socio-political dynamics. Ethnic profiling and targeting have occurred in the past, and the government must take steps to ensure that all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, are treated equally under the law.
The claim that an NLC strike punishes ordinary Nigerians rather than the political elite is misleading. Strikes are a legitimate form of protest, particularly in situations where dialogue has broken down and workers’ rights are being undermined. The NLC has a long history of advocating for the rights of ordinary Nigerians, and strikes serve as one of the few powerful tools available to pressure the government into addressing grievances. Dismissing strikes as “blackmail” minimizes the legitimate frustrations of workers who are struggling under poor economic conditions.
Ultimately, the arrest of Comrade Joe Ajaero raises serious questions about the misuse of state power to intimidate and silence civil society leaders. Nigeria’s democracy relies on the protection of civil liberties, including the right to protest, organize, and hold the government accountable. The actions of the security agencies in this case, if allowed to stand unchallenged, will erode these fundamental rights and weaken the very fabric of democracy in the country. Nigerians must stand against any such actions, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and that no one is persecuted for defending the interests of the people. Civil society leaders like Joe Ajaero must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal or intimidation like in the case of Imo state where he was beaten up. In defending him, we defend the core principles of democracy and justice.
Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
“Duruebube Uzii na Abosi”
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