According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the arrest of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was a result of his failure to comply with an invitation from security operatives, indicating a disregard for the laws of Nigeria.
Onanuga emphasized that no individual, regardless of their position, is exempt from the laws of the country, particularly in a nation like Nigeria, which is governed by a constitution.
The statement further highlighted that the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom inaccurately accused Nigeria of human rights violations, attributing the false claims to Ajaero's prevented travel after disregarding the invitation from a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation. Onanuga criticized Ajaero for potentially considering himself above the law, mentioning his scheduled participation at the UK conference where the UK TUC leader criticized Nigeria, emphasizing that such actions have implications as no one is immune to the law in Nigeria.
Reiterating the position, Onanuga emphasized that under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no individual is exempt from the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigations.
The statement drew parallels with the United Kingdom and the United States, highlighting that similar disrespect towards law enforcement agencies in those countries would be unheard of. It was also stressed that the Nigerian government, led by a pro-democracy activist president, is committed to safeguarding civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.
Onanuga clarified that despite occasional policy disagreements, there is no adversarial relationship between the Nigerian Labour Movement and the government, with the government consistently displaying a willingness to engage on any matter with the labor sector, despite their political affiliations.