“Heavy-handed tactics by the DSS can lead to a decline in public trust in government institutions”
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, said that the arrest of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the International Airport on his way to attend an official assignment, and the siege on the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by the police signal serious concerns for freedom and democracy in Nigeria.
He stated that these developments pose a significant threat to the foundational pillars of democracy in Nigeria, emphasising the need for vigilance and advocacy for the protection of civil liberties.
He stressed that such actions undermine the ability of civil society organisations and labour unions to operate freely, stifling dissent and limiting public discourse.
He added: “The arrests may deter individuals and organizations from speaking out against government policies or advocating for workers’ rights, leading to a chilling effect on activism.
“Encroachments by security agencies on civil society highlight a potential trend of increasing authoritarianism, undermining democratic norms and principles.
“Heavy-handed tactics by the DSS can lead to a decline in public trust in government institutions, further alienating citizens from political processes. Continued repression may provoke unrest and resistance among citizens, potentially leading to greater social instability and conflicts.
“Suppressing dissent and civil society can hinder the government’s accountability, as a vibrant civil society is crucial for monitoring and holding authorities accountable.
“President Tinubu must demonstrate that he does not endorse arbitrary arrests, detention incommunicado and repression of labour and civil society actors. We call for the release of Ajaero and the cessation of the siege on the offices of SERAP.”
