The latest face off between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero and the President Bola Tinubu-led government seems to be no where near the end.
From physical encounters to online banter, the federal government and the union continue to drag each other by the balls.
This back and forth continued until Ajaero was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
This incident came after the NLC president received two invitation by the Nigeria Police Force.
The arrest of the NLC president sparked nothing but commotion.
Every individual and associations had a thing or two to say about the development, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the United Kingdom.
The union blasted the President Bola Tinubu government over the gross violation of human rights.
But trust the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
To him, such comment cannot just be allowed to slide.
In reaction, Onanuga declared that there was no violation of human rights concerning the recent arrest of Joe Ajaero by the DSS.
The Presidency stated this while refuting allegations of human rights abuses and violations made against President Bola Tinubu’s administration by the TUC in UK.
Bayo Onanuga also gave some details about the NLC president, Joe Ajaero.
Here are three things Bayo Onanuga said about Ajaero in his statement:
1. Ajaero Snubbed DSS Invitation
Onanuga emphasised that Joe Ajaero was prevented from travelling abroad after disregarding an invitation from a law enforcement agency involved in an ongoing investigation.
His words: “The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.
Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria. His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria.
He added: “We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, trade union leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.”
2. Ajaero Is Partisan
Also, Bayo Onanuga revealed that the NLC president, Joe Ajaero is involved in partisan politics.
He said: “While labour unions and the government may not always agree on policy direction, the government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship.
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Contrary to the erroneous impression being created, the invitation extended by the Department of State Services to Mr. Ajaero has nothing to do with his role as the President of NLC.”
3. Stirring Public Opinion Against Security Agencies
Onanuga also mentioned that, “as a responsible citizen of Nigeria, Mr Ajaero should honour any invitation from our security agencies and resolve any issues that may arise during the investigation instead of stirring adverse public opinion against the security agencies.
It is worth reminding Nigerians and the global community that the federal government recognises that the labour movement exists to protect and defend the interests of its members.
What is also worth noting is that Labour, in most cases, only advances ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities.”
