By Abubakar Yunusa
The Odua Peoples Assembly (OPA) has thrown its weight behind the recent arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president Joe Ajaero by the Department of State Services (DSS), calling it a necessary move to safeguard the country’s stability.
The OPA refuted claims from some civil society groups that Ajaero’s detention could lead to unrest, dismissing such statements as misleading and harmful to the rule of law.
Speaking on the matter, Hon. Adeyemi Olamide Shola, Deputy Speaker of OPA, said: “Since when does arresting a lawbreaker cause anarchy? Is the law not supreme?”
The Assembly further accused Ajaero of providing refuge for a foreign entity intent on financing violent protests aimed at destabilizing the country, labeling his actions as treasonous.
OPA stressed that Ajaero’s position as NLC Chairman does not exempt him from legal accountability.
“No one is above the law,” the Assembly emphasized, urging the DSS to continue its investigation into the alleged plot to overthrow the government.
The Assembly also condemned the recent remarks by Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo, who had criticized the arrest and accused the DSS of targeting labor leaders.
The group dismissed these claims as an attempt to shield Ajaero from justice, reiterating that the investigation concerns national security and not labor disputes.
“We called on Nigerians to unite in the fight against any threats to the nation’s peace, asserting that national stability must take precedence over individual interests.
“The Assembly pledged its full support for the DSS, urging the security agency to leave no stone unturned in its probe and bring all conspirators to justice.”
