The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly rejected allegations of human rights violations made by the Trade Union of United Kingdom (TUC), describing them as baseless and based on a misunderstanding of the situation. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the government stressed that no person is above the law in Nigeria. This followed claims by the TUC at its conference in London, where the Nigerian government was falsely accused of human rights violations.
The government explained that the NLC Chairman, Joe Ajaero, was denied permission to travel abroad after he ignored a summons from an agency conducting an ongoing investigation. Ajaero’s actions have serious consequences as no one is above the law in Nigeria.
It was stressed that Nigeria is a constitutionally governed country, just like the United Kingdom and other civilized nations. Examples were cited, such as former Presidents Donald Trump and Hunter Biden being investigated and prosecuted in the United States, demonstrating that no one is above the law.
The government has dismissed any notion of human rights violations in Nigeria, saying the TUC’s accusations are baseless and based on a misunderstanding of the situation. It stressed that the President is a pro-democracy activist who will protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.
The statement also noted that there is no adversarial relationship between the Trade Union Movement in Nigeria and the government, and that the government has always been ready to engage with trade unions on any issue despite political differences.
Furthermore, the government stressed that the ideological positions of trade unions have often hampered economic growth and development in Nigeria, compromising the welfare of workers and the poor. It cited opposition to the sale of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries in 2007, which led to their non-operation, while Aliko Dangote built the largest single-train refinery in the world.
The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interests of Nigerians, pursue policies and programmes aimed at increasing national economic output and creating prosperity for the citizenry.