The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Police Force against the planned arrest of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero. The organization condemned the politically motivated allegations against him, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime. HURIWA described this as a blatant attempt by the government to suppress dissent and intimidate the labour movement, which has consistently spoken out against anti-people policies.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, HURIWA expressed deep concern over the erosion of democratic principles under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which the group claims is swiftly turning Nigeria into a full-blown dictatorship, a police state, and a banana republic marked by lawlessness, impunity, corruption, and organized chaos. HURIWA emphasized that this pattern of repression is not only undemocratic but also threatens Nigeria’s survival as a sovereign nation founded on justice and equity.

The Nigerian Police, in a letter dated August 19, 2024, summoned Comrade Ajaero for questioning over alleged involvement in crimes that HURIWA described as fictitious and designed to tarnish his reputation and that of the NLC. The letter warned that failure to honour the invitation would result in a warrant for his arrest.

HURIWA categorically rejected these charges, viewing them as a calculated effort to discredit the labour leader and undermine the labour movement’s legitimate opposition to the Tinubu administration’s oppressive policies. The group noted that this harassment follows a police raid at the NLC National Secretariat in Abuja on July 7, 2024, an incident that sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the government’s respect for labour rights and democratic freedoms.

HURIWA also denounced the mass arrest and detention of over 1,000 peaceful protesters who participated in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria. The association highlighted that the protests, which occurred between August 1 and 10, were fuelled by growing public anger over the worsening economic situation, pervasive corruption, and rising insecurity under the Tinubu administration. However, the peaceful demonstrations were met with brutal repression by security agencies, leading to violent clashes, looting, and vandalism in several states.

Amnesty International recently revealed that over 1,000 protesters have been remanded in prison custody nationwide, with 441 arraigned in Kano on what the rights group described as “trumped-up charges.” HURIWA condemned this crackdown on peaceful protesters as a gross violation of their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

In its statement, signed by National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their fundamental human rights. The organization insisted that the Nigerian government, under President Tinubu, must respect the rule of law and uphold the rights of citizens to protest peacefully without fear of intimidation or persecution.

HURIWA warned that the actions of the Tinubu administration are pushing Nigeria further toward dictatorship, with the country increasingly resembling a police state where dissent is criminalized, and democratic freedoms are trampled upon with impunity. The group described the current situation as a descent into a banana republic, where the rule of law is replaced by the rule of force, accountability is non-existent, and corruption thrives unchecked.

According to HURIWA, the growing pattern of repression under Tinubu’s watch is reminiscent of some of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s history when military dictatorships held sway. The organization cautioned that if this trajectory is not halted, Nigeria risks plunging into an abyss of chaos and anarchy, with dire consequences for the unity and stability of the nation.

HURIWA further condemned the selective application of justice by the Nigerian authorities, noting that while peaceful protesters and government critics are being hounded and detained, corrupt politicians and officials who have plundered the nation’s wealth continue to enjoy freedom and impunity. The group argued that this double standard in law enforcement underscores the systemic rot and corruption entrenched under the current administration.

HURIWA called on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to defend democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria. The group urged the international community to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions and to impose sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations in the country.

The organization also appealed to the Nigerian judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding justice and the rule of law, even in the face of executive pressure. HURIWA stressed that the judiciary must not allow itself to be used as a tool for suppressing dissent and persecuting political opponents.

In conclusion, HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to standing in solidarity with the NLC, the #EndBadGovernance protesters, and all Nigerians striving for a just and better society. The organization vowed to continue advocating for human rights, good governance, and accountability and to resist any attempt to drag Nigeria back into the dark days of tyranny and oppression.

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