Commission urges law enforcement agencies to uphold principles of democracy
Salihu Ali, Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has called on law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and uphold the principles of democracy and respect for human rights when dealing with unarmed civilians while enforcing law and order.
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The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu while reacting to the reported assault of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Mr. Joe Ajero, in Owerri, Imo State described it as a reprehensible act, a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and rule of law.
“Brutality on Mr. Joe Ajero, a senior labour leader, represents impunity and a direct attack on the fundamental rights of individuals to associate and express their views and opinions freely, which is the cornerstone of a democratic society like ours.”
According to him, the Commission reiterates that in a democratic nation like Nigeria, the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression must be respected and upheld no matter how uncomfortable law enforcement agents feel.
Ojukwu called upon the relevant authorities to swiftly investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that such acts of brutality are neither repeated nor tolerated.
“It is essential that those responsible for this brutality are held accountable for their actions, serving as a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in our Society.
“Together, we can build a society where every citizen’s rights and freedoms are safeguarded, respected and tolerated, where acts of violence and intimidation have no place.“
He reiterated the commitment of the commission to uphold human rights, protect freedom of expression and ensure the safety of Nigerians.
It would be recalled that on Wednesday, November 1, the Imo State Police Command clarified reports concerning the alleged arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, stating that they did not arrest him but saved him from a mob attack.
