Brutality On NLC President, Violation Of Human Rights – NHRC

Edited By Garry Ochigbo

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has condemned the brutality and violence in the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajero, in Owerri.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department, Mr Agharese Arase.

According to the statement, Executive Secretary of Commission, Dr.Tony Ojukwu while reacting to the alleged assault on Mr. Ajaero said it is a reprehensible act, a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and rule of law.

It states that the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission said brutality on Mr. Joe Ajaero, 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, which is the cornerstone of a democratic society.

According to the Human Rights Advocate, the Commission 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.

It however calls on the relevant authorities to swiftly investigate this ugly incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and be held accountable for their actions, serving as a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the Society.

The statement stresses that the Chief Human Rights Officer said it is unethical to use force and violence to arrest unarmed civilians, adding that this brutal act is against international best practices.

It adds that the Commission reiterates its commitment to upholding human rights, protecting freedom of expression, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the country.

The statement however stresses that the Executive Secretary used the medium to call upon 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.