The Coalition of Nigerian Civil Societies (CSOs) has condemned the Department of State Services (DSS) for arresting Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), calling it a violation of civil and conventional code, News About Nigeria reports.
The group condemned the arrest in a statement signed by the Head of the Secretariat, Hamisu Santuraki, on Monday.
Recall that Ajaero was arrested by operatives of DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja this morning, on his way to attend a conference in the United Kingdom.
Reacting to his arrest, the group condemned it in strong terms, noting that the manner of arrest was a needless show of force and an attempt to cause national anarchy.
They stated that the arrest was carried out in that manner to embarrass and humiliate Ajaero like a common criminal.
According to the group, Ajaero, as a high-profile citizen and leader, should have been treated with decorum and courtesy rather than being subjected to dehumanising tactics.
They further called for Ajaero’s immediate release, warning that his detention could lead to mass resistance and civil disobedience.
The statement reads in part, “For us in the organised civil society and pro-democracy movement of Nigeria, the abduction of Ajaero today is brash and indecent on the part of Nigerian security operatives and should be condemned by all Nigerians. We, therefore, wish to unequivocally condemn this needless act of rascality employed by the DSS against the President of the NLC, which has already sent shockwaves through the length and breadth of the country and may lead to mass resistance and civil disobedience if Ajaero is not immediately released by the State.”
