Nigerian Government Defends Human Rights Record Amid UK Trade Union Criticism

- Ajaero under investigation, not above the law – FG

- Atiku condemns Tinubu's administration over alleged repression

- Former DSS Director: Ajaero linked to terrorism financing case

'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja 

DAILY COURIER - The Nigerian government has categorically denied allegations of human rights abuses raised by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom. The accusations came during the UK TUC’s annual conference, where the leader of the union made claims regarding rights violations in Nigeria. In a swift response, the Nigerian government issued a statement dismissing the allegations as "false" and "unfounded."

The controversy stems from the recent detention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Ajaero, who was en route to London for the TUC event, was reportedly detained for questioning about an ongoing investigation involving terrorism financing. The government emphasized that Ajaero’s arrest was unrelated to his position as NLC President but rather connected to a personal investigation.

“Nigeria is Governed by Law” – FG Defends Actions

The Nigerian government’s press release, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stressed that no one, including trade union leaders, is above the law. The government accused Ajaero of ignoring lawful summons from a security agency and stated that such actions have consequences. 

Citing other democratic nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, the government noted that prominent individuals, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump and Hunter Biden, have been subject to lawful investigations. The statement reiterated that Nigeria operates under the rule of law and dismissed any allegations of oppressive actions.

"We categorically reject any notion of human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the UK Trade Union Congress are based on a misunderstanding of the situation,” the statement read.

Atiku: Tinubu’s Government Worse Than Military Dictatorship

However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), strongly condemned the Tinubu administration for its alleged crackdown on civil society and labour unions. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku expressed concerns about what he described as "oppressive control" under President Bola Tinubu’s government. He claimed that the administration’s actions surpass even the harshest measures taken during Nigeria’s military dictatorship.

Atiku specifically pointed to Ajaero’s arrest, describing it as an attempt by the government to "intimidate and subdue" organized labour. He further highlighted past incidents involving the media and civil society groups, calling the recent developments a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic values.

"The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing," Atiku stated, urging the government to redirect its efforts towards combating terrorism and banditry rather than targeting individuals like Ajaero.

Former DSS Director Links Ajaero to Terrorism Financing

Adding to the unfolding controversy, a former Assistant Director of the DSS, Dennis Amachree, publicly disclosed that Ajaero is being investigated for terrorism financing. Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Amachree stated that Ajaero’s close association with Andrew Wynne, a British national wanted in connection with terrorism financing, was a key reason for his detention.

Amachree emphasized that Ajaero was not arrested because of his role as NLC President but due to a personal investigation. He further noted that the DSS acted appropriately by preventing Ajaero from leaving Nigeria while the investigation was ongoing.

“There is an ongoing investigation. He (Ajaero) cannot leave the country,” Amachree said, adding that intelligence agencies should work towards repatriating Wynne to Nigeria to face charges.

Ajaero’s Reaction to Arrest

Joe Ajaero was released by the DSS on Monday night after being detained for nearly 15 hours. Speaking to the press, Ajaero described his experience as an attempt to tarnish his image. He stated that he was questioned about the #EndBadGovernance protests in August and his alleged involvement with Wynne. Both Ajaero and Wynne have denied all allegations.

The NLC President, however, expressed frustration with what he sees as increasing government interference in labour matters. He vowed to continue advocating for Nigerian workers and rejected claims of any wrongdoing.

Looking Ahead: Labour Movement and Government Relations

The Nigerian government’s statement reiterated that there is no adversarial relationship between the government and the labour movement. The government has consistently shown a willingness to engage with labour unions on policy matters, despite occasional disagreements.

However, the latest developments have once again highlighted the strained relationship between the two entities. As the investigation into Ajaero continues, the labour movement may find itself at a crossroads, with both domestic and international scrutiny now focused on Nigeria’s handling of civil rights and labour issues.