The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the Nigerian Police’s explanation regarding the alleged “invasion” of the NLC headquarters.
This rejection comes after a police statement on Friday, August 9, claimed that their operation was not directed at the NLC but was instead aimed at capturing a foreign national involved in criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries. The police asserted that the operation, conducted within the NLC headquarters, was legal and targeted a rented shop on the premises used by the suspect for his criminal operations. They emphasized that the action was unrelated to the NLC, its secretariat, staff, or leadership.
However, in a communique issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the NLC dismissed the police explanation as inadequate and unconvincing. The Labour center labeled the police statement an “afterthought” and suggested it raised more questions than it answered, demanding a more thorough explanation from the government.
The NEC communique read: “The NEC-in-session completely rejects the explanation provided by the Police for the invasion. It is viewed as an afterthought and an attempt to conceal the true motives behind the action, as it raises more questions than answers. Therefore, we demand a clearer explanation from the government as soon as possible.”
The NLC also expressed concern that the police action might be a deliberate provocation by the government. The Labour center stressed the importance of responding cautiously rather than reacting out of anger and noted that its next steps would depend on the government’s response to its inquiries.
“NEC believes that the Police’s actions are a deliberate provocation by the Government. As such, we will not react out of anger but will exercise caution for the greater good of our nation. Even in the face of recklessness and irresponsibility, patriots must take the high road of restraint. This is essential now, and the government’s response to our questions will determine our next course of action in the coming days,” the statement concluded.
