NHRC Slams Attack on NLC President As an Affront on Human Rights and the Constitution
By Shola Akingboye, 3 November, 2023
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has described the recent attack on the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) as a violence against human rights and the constitution of Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, while reacting to the reported assault of Mr. Joe Ajero in Owerri, Imo state, has said it is a reprehensible act, a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Ojukwu in a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department, Agharese Arase
said “brutality on Ajero, and a senior labor leader, represents impunity and a direct attack on the fundamental rights of individuals to associate and express their views and opinions freely, in a democratic society like ours”
The chief Human Rights Advocate reiterates 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 on the relevant authorities to swiftly investigate this ugly incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that such acts of brutality are neither repeated nor tolerated.
“It is essential that those responsible for this brutality are held accountable for their actions, to serving as a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in our Society”.
Ojukwu said it is unethical to use force and violence to arrest unarmed civilians, adding that this brutal act is against international best practices for the promotion and protection of human rights.
He said the Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding human rights, protecting freedom of expression, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the country.
Dr. Ojukwu used thus call on 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.
“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”. The statement reads.
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