The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International Nigeria has expressed concern over attempts to silence the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). The warning follows the police’s invitation to NLC President Joe Ajaero as part of an investigation into allegations of terrorism financing.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, emphasized that while the organization is not against the investigation, it is vital that the process remains transparent to maintain the integrity of both the NLC and the police. Rafsanjani recalled a recent incident where the NLC complex was besieged by armed security personnel shortly after the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the police are not used to undermine legitimate citizen struggles.
CISLAC urged the government and security agencies to restore trust in the criminal justice system and warned that any perceived attempt to stifle civil space could harm Nigeria’s international reputation.