TUC Demands Accountability for Invasion of NLC Headquarters

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly called on the Federal Government to take action against those responsible for the recent invasion of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja. This incident has sparked significant concern among labor leaders and civil rights advocates across the country.

TUC President Festus Osifo issued a statement condemning the invasion as a severe breach of fundamental rights, particularly those related to freedom of speech and expression. He emphasized that such actions undermine the core values of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

According to Osifo, the invasion not only disrupts the normal functioning of the NLC but also sets a troubling precedent for how security forces interact with civil society organizations.
Osifo has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding the invasion. He stressed that it is crucial to identify and hold accountable those who authorized and executed the raid. 

Understanding the reasons behind the invasion and the exact nature of the instructions given to the operatives is essential for ensuring justice and preventing future occurrences. The TUC President highlighted that accountability is necessary to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust in governmental institutions.

Moreover, Osifo voiced deep concerns about the potential impact of the invasion on the broader rights of Nigerian citizens. He warned that such overreach by security agencies could undermine the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, including the right to assemble, protest, and express dissenting views. It is imperative, he noted, that security forces operate within the legal boundaries defined by the nation’s laws and respect the rights of individuals and organizations.

In addition to demanding accountability, the TUC also called for the immediate return of all materials that were seized during the raid. Osifo stressed that the action taken was unjustified and that the public deserves a full and transparent explanation from the authorities involved. Ensuring that all confiscated materials are returned and that a clear account of the events is provided will be critical in restoring confidence in the fairness of security operations.

In a related development, Umpirenews has reported that the NLC confirmed the raid on its national office in Abuja. According to NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, the security operatives arrived late on Wednesday and detained the security guards stationed at the building. They coerced the guards into handing over the keys to the second-floor offices.

Once inside, the operatives proceeded to ransack the offices, specifically targeting the bookshop. During the raid, they stole hundreds of books and publications, causing significant disruption to the NLC’s operations. This act of theft and vandalism has been widely condemned by various stakeholders who view it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence dissent.