APC, Opposition Clash Over NLC Secretariat Invasion

ABUJA, August 9, 2024 — Opposition parties in Nigeria have united in condemnation of a recent security operation at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) national headquarters in Abuja. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved armed men allegedly from the Department of State Services (DSS) raiding the NLC office and seizing several documents¹.

According to NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Benson Upah, the raid took place around 8:30 p.m., with operatives breaking into the Labour House. The attackers targeted the bookshop on the second floor, confiscating hundreds of books and other publications. Their stated reason was to search for seditious materials allegedly used during the #EndBadGovernance protests. However, the DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, denied any involvement by the agency¹.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for restraint, urging against hasty conclusions and casting aspersions. Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, characterized the action as an attempt to suppress the labor union. He emphasized that Nigerians have the right to express their grievances and criticized the use of security agencies to silence dissenting voices¹.

Yunusa Tanko, chief spokesman for the Labour Party presidential candidate, echoed these sentiments, condemning the security agencies’ actions. He questioned the need for a commando-style raid on the NLC office, emphasizing that union leaders deserve respect and due process¹.

Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, expressed concern about the implications of such actions, drawing parallels to the military era. He emphasized that constructive criticism and protests are essential aspects of democracy and should not be stifled¹.

In summary, the clash between the APC-led government and opposition parties over the NLC secretariat invasion highlights tensions surrounding civil liberties and the role of security agencies in Nigeria. As the investigation unfolds, citizens remain vigilant, asserting their rights and demanding transparency from those in power¹.

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