‘We can’t allow Nigeria slide into dictatorship’ — NLC demands Sowore’s release

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore, condemning what it described as his frequent arrest and prolonged detention by security operatives.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union warned that continued repression of dissenting voices signals a dangerous slide toward dictatorship.

The NLC expressed dismay that, despite being a democracy, the Nigerian government continues to treat critics and activists as enemies of the state.

While stressing that if Sowore had offended any influential individual or violated the law, due process should be followed, the labour leader reminded the government that freedom of speech and association are non-negotiable constitutional rights that must be respected.

“We strongly condemn the frequent arrest and long spells in detention of Sowore, a renowned civil rights activist. It is all the more unacceptable if he was injured in the course of his arrest, as is being alleged.

“If Sowore has offended any big man or woman in government or has in any way offended the law, they should be bold enough to explore the legal options available, such as going to court, but certainly not resort to this level of harassment. How many times has Sowore been arrested this year alone?

“Freedom of speech and freedom of association are some of the inalienable rights guaranteed by our constitution, and it is only fit and proper that the government is seen to respect these citizen rights.

“We cannot allow Nigeria to slide back into the dark days of dictatorship, where fear replaces freedom, and dissent is met with brute force.

“It soils the image of the government before its citizens and the international community when it behaves in a way that suggests that it is above the law.

“We are duty-bound to not only alert the nation to the inherent dangers of government observing these rights in breach but to point out the consequences of an observance in breach. The government, like all the other citizens, should be law-abiding, not when it suits it but unconditionally.” He said

Describing Sowore as a “moral compass”, the NLC insisted he must not be treated with levity.

“Accordingly, we demand, therefore, the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore; an end to the harassment and intimidation of activists and all voices of dissent; and full adherence to the rule of law and constitutional guarantees of free speech and assembly,” he said.

“The NLC stands in solidarity with all victims of repression and reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of the working class and the oppressed. Nigeria should not descend into a police state. Strengthened justice and democracy is good for all.”