TUC called for investigation into the incident and trial of those behind the act.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned the alleged invasion of the Labour House, headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja by security operatives. TUC called for investigation into the incident and trial of those behind the act.
The demand by the TUC comes amidst the Department of State Services (DSS) debunking reports of raiding the NLC.
DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said in a brief statement that such never happened. “…Please note that the Service (DSS) did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja,” Afunanya said.
NLC’s spokesman, Benson Upah, had earlier alleged that hundreds of books and other publications were seized from the bookshop on the second floor.
“The invading team claimed that they were searching for seditious materials allegedly used during the #EndBadGovernance protests,” Upah said.
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Weighing in the situation, TUC in a statement by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo the TUC said the reported confiscation of books from the NLC library, allegedly in search of “End Bad Governance” materials, was a troubling act that raises serious concerns about the violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression.
“This action represents an overreach by security forces and poses a threat to the democratic principles that allow for peaceful dissent and free expression. We consider this invasion a direct attack on the rights of Nigerian citizens to freely express their views and to access information,” the statement said.
The TUC called on the Federal Government to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the alleged raid of NLC office.
“Those responsible for authorising and executing this operation must be held accountable. We also demand the prompt return of all seized materials to the NLC library and an explanation for this unjustified action.
Nigerians must be reassured that their rights are protected and that security agencies operate within the confines of the law, respecting the freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution,” the statement added.