The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denounced the invasion of its national office in Abuja by security operatives, believed to be from the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, shortly after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting, where members criticized the heavy-handed handling of protesters during the #EndBadGoverance protests.
According to the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, the operatives arrested the security guards and forced them to hand over keys to the offices on the second floor. The operatives then broke into the floor, ransacked the bookshop, and stole hundreds of books and publications.
The NLC has condemned the invasion as illegal and a violation of democratic principles. The organization is demanding an international inquiry into the incident and the return of the stolen materials. The NLC has directed its staff to stay away from the office until further notice and warned that if the harassment continues, it may call on its members to stay home until their safety and security are assured.
The invasion is seen as a worrying development in Nigeria’s democracy, and the NLC has expressed sadness and concern over the incident. The organization has called for respect for democratic principles and the rule of law.