Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed that Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), disregarded a summons from security agencies, behaving as if he was beyond the reach of Nigerian law. This defiance partly led to his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Onanuga, in a detailed statement, emphasized that no one is above the law, especially in a country governed by a constitution like Nigeria. He further mentioned that the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom began its conference in London, during which its leader falsely accused Nigeria of human rights violations.
According to the presidential aide, these accusations stemmed from the fact that Ajaero was prevented from leaving Nigeria after ignoring an invitation from law enforcement. He criticized Ajaero for acting as though he was exempt from legal procedures, noting that such actions have serious implications.
Onanuga stressed that Nigeria, like the UK and other developed nations, is governed by laws and that no individual is beyond the reach of legal authorities. He compared Ajaero’s behavior to that of trade union leaders in the UK or US, who, he said, would not disregard law enforcement agencies like MI5, Scotland Yard, or the FBI.
He rejected claims of human rights violations in Nigeria and pointed out that the government, led by a president with a strong pro-democracy stance, remains committed to protecting civil liberties.
Onanuga also clarified that there is no antagonism between the Nigerian government and labor unions, stating that while disagreements on policies may occur, the government remains open to dialogue despite any political leanings of the unions.
