The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the arrest of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the manner in which he was taken into custody as an assault on democratic institutions and the rule of law. The labour union warned that actions capable of intimidating citizens and undermining constitutional rights could weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
In a statement issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union described the treatment of Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja as inhuman, embarrassing and inconsistent with the level of professionalism expected from the nation’s secret service. According to the NLC, the dramatic arrest amounted to unnecessary intimidation and public humiliation, creating an image that falls short of the standards expected of a modern security agency.
The labour body also questioned the role played by the DSS in the prosecution, arguing that criminal cases are ordinarily handled by the Ministry of Justice through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. Ajaero warned that allowing a security agency to function as both accuser and jailer could erode public confidence in the justice system and compromise the principles of fairness and due process. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Drawing lessons from established democracies, the NLC stressed that strong and independent institutions remain the bedrock of democratic governance. The union cautioned against situations where public institutions appear to prioritise the interests of political office holders above the Constitution and the rights of citizens, noting that such actions could gradually weaken democracy and the rule of law.
The Congress urged security agencies to operate strictly within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians. It maintained that democracy can only flourish when institutions remain professional, accountable and independent, regardless of the political climate or the personalities involved.
The statement adds to the growing reactions that have followed Sowore’s arrest and detention, with several individuals and organisations expressing differing views on the matter. As legal proceedings continue, the NLC has called on all state institutions to uphold constitutional principles, protect civil liberties and ensure that justice is administered without intimidation or political interference.
