By Albert Akota
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has vehemently condemned the recent brutality and violence that trailed the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajero, in Owerri and demand investigation.
The Executive Secretary of Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu, while reacting to the reported assault of Mr. Ajero, said it is a reprehensible act, a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and rule of law.
Ojukwu said: “brutality on Mr. Joe Ajero, a senior labor 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.
NHRC boss called upon the relevant authorities to swiftly investigate this ugly 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 behavior will not be tolerated in our Society”, he stressed.
The Chief Human Rights Officer said it is unethical to use force and violence to arrest unarmed civilians, adding that this brutal act is against international best practices for the promotion and protection of human rights.
He said the Commission reiterate its commitment to upholding human rights, protecting freedom of expression, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the country.
Ojukwu however, used the medium to call upon 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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