Cord. Joe Ajaero, NLC president.
The reported assault of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajero, in Owerri, has infuriated Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), who described it as reprehensible, a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and rule of law.
Said Ojukwu: “Brutality on Mr. Joe Ajero, a senior labour leader, represents impunity and a direct attack on the fundamental rights of individuals to associate and express their views and opinions freely, which is the cornerstone of a democratic society like ours”.
His condemnation was contained in a statemrnt signed by the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department, Agharese Arase made available to the press.
The renowned Human Rights Advocate Commission reiterated that in a democratic nation like Nigeria, the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression must be respected and upheld no matter how uncomfortable law enforcement agents feel.
The Learned Silk called upon the relevant authorities to swiftly investigate this ugly incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that such acts of brutality were neither repeated nor tolerated.
Stated he: “It is essential that those responsible for this brutality are held accountable for their actions, serving as a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in our Society”.
The Chief Human Rights Officer said it was unethical to use force and violence to arrest unarmed civilians, adding that this brutal act was against international best practices for the promotion and protection of human rights.
He reemphasised Commission’s commitment to upholding human rights, protecting freedom of expression, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the country.
Dr. Ojukwu call upon law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and uphold the principles of democracy and respect for human rights when dealing with unarmed civilians while enforcing law and order.
Stressed he: “Together, we can build a society where every citizen’s rights and freedoms are safeguarded, respected and tolerated, where acts of violence and intimidation have no place”.
