Invasion of NLC HQ: Organised Labour fumes, demands probe

.We demand immediate withdrawal of security agents from our premises, return of all books, materials taken during the raid- NLC

.Those responsible for authorising, executing the invasion must be held accountable, says TUC

.We did not carry out any operation at NLC Abuja office — DSS

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Organised Labour, on Thursday, vehemently condemned what it described as an unprecedented and unlawful invasion of the national headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Labour House, by heavily armed security operatives on the evening of Wednesday, August 7.

The Organised Labour, made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) voiced the condemnation in separate statements in reaction to the invasion, just as it called on the Federal Government to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the invasion.

Recall that the shocking incident, which occurred around 8:30 pm, long after the close of business, has since sparked outrage within the labour community and beyond.

In its statement, the NLC via a press release issued by the Head of Media and Public Relations, NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, the labour union revealed that a troop of security agents, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, individuals presumed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS), and others in plain clothes, stormed the 10th floor of the Labour House, in Abuja.

The operatives reportedly arrested the security officer on duty, forced him to the second floor, and demanded access to the offices.

“When he told them that he had no such keys on him, they broke into the floor and ransacked the bookshop on the 2nd floor, carting away hundreds of books and other publications,” Upah stated.

The security personnel claimed they were searching for “seditious materials” allegedly linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests, according to the NLC spokesperson.

The NLC expressed its deep outrage at what it sees as a blatant violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress condemns in its entirety this new low in security operations in Nigeria,” Upah declared, adding, “Even in the dark days of military rule, NLC secretariats were never invaded and ransacked by security agents. Today is indeed a very sad day for our democracy.”

Earlier that day, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC had already voiced strong disapproval of the heavy-handed tactics employed by security forces against protesters across the country. The council had condemned the “needless bloodshed” and “sweeping mass arrests” of those perceived to have led the protests. However, the invasion of the Labour House just hours later took the union by surprise.

The NLC’s press release raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, warning of the potential descent into a police state.

“We call on the international community to take note of the deterioration of democratic principles in the bid to turn Nigeria into a Police State,” Upah urged. He further noted the growing fears among NLC leadership, especially in light of recent threats and attacks, including what the union describes as a “near daylight assassination” attempt on the NLC President.

In response to the invasion, the NLC has directed all its staff to stay away from the Labour House until it can be confirmed that no incriminating materials or harmful substances were planted by the security operatives. “In order to allay our fears, we demand an international inquiry into this very traumatic invasion,” Upah said.

The labour union is also demanding the immediate withdrawal of the security agents from its premises and the return of all books and materials taken during the raid. “We make this demand given the illegality of the operation as there was no court order for the invasion, ransacking, and looting of the publications,” the NLC spokesperson emphasized.

As tensions escalate, the NLC has warned that it will not hesitate to call for a nationwide strike if the harassment continues.

“We warn that the asphyxiation of the public space and channels for constructive engagement, dialogue, and negotiations in light of the excruciating difficulties that Nigerians are going through right now would only make matters worse,” Upah concluded. The labor union hopes that the government will heed its warnings, noting that “a stitch in time might still save nine,” the Congress stated.

In its reaction, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) strongly condemned the Wednesday night’s invasion of the NLC national Headquarters in Abuja, Labour House, by security operatives.

In a statement issued by the TUC President, Comrade (Engr.) Festus Osifo, on Thursday, the Labour organisation expressed deep concern over the reported actions of the security forces, who allegedly raided the NLC premises in search of materials related to the “End Bad Governance” protests.

“The reported confiscation of books from the NLC library, allegedly in search of ‘End Bad Governance’ materials, is a troubling act that raises serious concerns about the violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression,” Osifo stated.

The TUC sees this invasion as an alarming overreach by security forces, posing a significant threat to the democratic principles that safeguard peaceful dissent and free expression.

“This action represents an overreach by security forces and poses a threat to the democratic principles that allow for peaceful dissent and free expression,” the TUC President asserted, adding that such actions are a direct attack on the rights of Nigerian citizens to freely express their views and access information.

In response to the incident, the TUC has called on the Federal Government to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the invasion. Comrade Osifo stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

“The TUC calls on the Federal Government to immediately launch a thorough investigation into this incident. Those responsible for authorising and executing this operation must be held accountable,” he said.

The labour organisation is also demanding the prompt return of all materials seized during the raid, as well as an explanation for the security forces’ actions.

“We also demand the prompt return of all seized materials to the NLC library and an explanation for this unjustified action,” Osifo added, emphasising the need for transparency and justice.

The TUC President further highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens and ensuring that security agencies operate within the boundaries of the law.

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“Nigerians must be reassured that their rights are protected and that security agencies operate within the confines of the law, respecting the freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution,” Osifo stated, underscoring the need for adherence to democratic norms.

The TUC’s strong condemnation of the invasion and its call for accountability reflect the broader concerns within the labor community about the potential erosion of civil liberties in Nigeria. As the situation unfolds, the TUC, along with other labor organisations, will be closely monitoring the government’s response to this incident, which has sparked widespread criticism and concern.

Also reacting, Global rights group, Amnesty International, condemned the invasion of the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) by state-backed security operatives.

In a statement, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said “the raid by security personnel undermines workers’ rights to organise, bargain collectively and take industrial action”.

Sanusi “strongly condemned “the brazen invasion”, saying it “appears to be part of a sinister and calculated attack designed to intimidate the labour union”.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety of NLC officials.

“Under international human rights law and standards, trade unions cannot be targeted for their participating activities.

“Under international human rights law Nigeria has an obligation not only to respect the rights of trade unions but also to protect these rights from abuse,” Sanusi said.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS), on Thursday, denied any involvement in the invasion of the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Abuja.

This is as the presidency has maintained sealed lips over the invasion and the alleged confiscation of vital documents from the Labour House.

Reacting to the allegation that the secret police carried out the raid at the NLC headquarters, Wednesday night, the DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said that the agency had nothing to do with the operation.

He said: “Good morning, dear friends. Please kindly note that the Service (DSS) did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja.”