NLC Condemns Repeated Arrests of Sowore, Demands Immediate Release

By Chinedu Echianu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned what it described as the “unending arrest and harassment” of Omoyele Sowore, a prominent civil rights activist and former presidential candidate.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC expressed concern over the frequent arrests and extended detentions of Sowore, particularly raising alarm over reports that he may have sustained injuries during his most recent arrest.

“It is all the more unacceptable if he was injured in the course of his arrest as it is being alleged,” the NLC said.

The labour union questioned the legality and necessity of the repeated clampdown on Sowore, suggesting that any grievances against him should be addressed through proper legal channels, rather than through what it described as “harassment.”

“If Sowore has offended any big man or woman in government or has in any way offended the law, they should be bold enough to explore the legal options available such as going to court, but certainly not to resort to this level of harassment. How many times has Sowore been arrested this year alone?” the statement queried.

The NLC emphasized that the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of speech and association, and urged the government to uphold those rights.

“The NLC warns that silence in the face of such repression is complicity. If the state can arbitrarily detain Sowore today, no journalist, no trade unionist, no activist, and no ordinary citizen is safe tomorrow,” the statement read.

The labour body warned that the continuous violation of civil liberties poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and damages the country’s image internationally.

“It soils the image of the government before its citizens and the international community when it behaves in a way that suggests that it is above the law,” the NLC stated.

Describing Sowore as a “moral compass” for the society, the NLC called for his immediate and unconditional release, an end to the harassment of activists, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

“Accordingly, we demand therefore; the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore; an end to the harassment and intimidation of activists and all voices of dissent; full adherence to the rule of law and constitutional guarantees of free speech and assembly,” Ajaero declared.

The NLC reaffirmed its solidarity with all victims of alleged state repression and pledged to continue defending the rights of the working class and all oppressed Nigerians.

“Nigeria should not descend into a police state. Strengthened Justice and Democracy is good for all!” the statement concluded.