The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday strongly condemned the arrest of civil rights activist Omoyele Sowore, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of harassment and repression by state authorities.
In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC demanded Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release, warning that the continued abuse of state power poses a serious threat to democracy and civil liberties in Nigeria.
The statement expressed deep concern over reports that Sowore may have sustained injuries during the arrest, calling his repeated detentions “unacceptable.”
“If Sowore has offended any highly placed individual or violated any law, the proper course is to seek redress through the courts—not through repeated harassment and arbitrary arrests,” Ajaero stated. “How many times has Sowore been arrested this year alone?”
He emphasized that freedom of speech and freedom of association are inalienable rights enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, and urged the government to respect and uphold these rights.
“The silence of citizens in the face of such repression is complicity. If the state can arbitrarily detain Sowore today, then no journalist, trade unionist, activist, or ordinary Nigerian is safe tomorrow,” the NLC warned. “We must not allow Nigeria to slide back into the dark days of dictatorship, where fear replaces freedom and dissent is met with brute force.”
Ajaero added that the government tarnishes its own image—both domestically and internationally—when it acts above the law.
“It is our duty to alert the nation to the dangers of violating constitutional rights and to warn of the consequences. The government must obey the law not selectively, but unconditionally,” he said.
The NLC described Sowore as “a moral compass” who should not be treated with disdain or disregard.
“Accordingly, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore; an end to the harassment and intimidation of activists and dissenting voices; and full adherence to the rule of law and constitutional protections of free speech and assembly.”
The Congress reaffirmed its solidarity with all victims of state repression and reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of the working class and the oppressed.
“Nigeria must not descend into a police state. Justice and democracy serve the interests of all,” the statement concluded.
