The global leadership of Public Services International has joined forces with its leaders in Africa and the Arab Country region to condemn the illegal occupation of the Nigeria Labour Congress national secretariat in Abuja by the Nigeria police.
PSI also denounced the alleged harassment of NLC President, Comrade Joseph Ajaero, and demanded an end to the harassment of trade union leaders in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by PSI General Secretary, Daniel Bertossa, the organization expressed its strong condemnation of the actions taken by the Nigeria police.
Bertossa stated: “Under the guise of a search for seditious materials purported to have been produced by the NLC for the End Bad Governance Protests led by citizens of Nigeria, especially the youth, the Nigeria police invaded the offices of the NLC and took hundreds of books and other publications belonging to the NLC. This is a violation of the rights of workers of the NLC and the abuse of power against an independent institution like the NLC.”
Bertossa emphasized that “it is the right of the people of Nigeria to speak and demonstrate against continuous hardship and deteriorating economic livelihoods. This is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution and global human rights conventions and statutes which Nigeria subscribes to.”
PSI demanded that the government:
– Release anyone unjustly detained due to protests
– Guarantee the safety and security of all citizens, including workers and trade union leaders
– Issue an official apology
– Return books and other properties taken
– Conduct an international inquiry into the matter
– Withdraw security forces from the NLC premises
Additionally, PSI condemned previous incidents of harassment against Comrade Joseph Ajaero and demanded an end to the harassment of trade union leaders in Nigeria. The organization advised the government to convene an inclusive stakeholders’ dialogue to discuss pressing issues and offer durable solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
