The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned the recent raid on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters by security operatives, describing it as a “Gestapo-style operation” that disregards the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“This incident is a blatant disregard for the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” said Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP. “It is appalling that this incident occurred under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was produced through opposition struggle and has presented himself as a democrat over the years.”
The CNPP demanded that President Tinubu immediately call to order the security agencies that are turning Nigeria into a police state, attacking opposition voices, and hounding them into detention in a manner reminiscent of a draconian military junta.
“We cannot accept the high-handedness of our security forces within civilian environments,” CNPP said. “At a time when farmers cannot farm in peace due to insecurity, the attempt to gag citizens or intimidate them into submission is unacceptable to a civilized society.”
The CNPP warned that the Tinubu administration’s approach will only embolden the masses and earn more hatred from people who are already undergoing unbearable economic pains and worsening hunger.
“A hungry man is an angry man,” CNPP said. “We warn that if the Tinubu administration forgets that Mr. President was a product of the trenches, it may be disastrous for the economy if security agencies push citizens underground through the ongoing high-handedness.”
The CNPP called on President Tinubu to respect the rights of citizens, including the NLC, and to focus on addressing the economic and security challenges facing the nation.
“We will continue to speak out against any form of oppression and advocate for the rights of Nigerians under a democratic and constitutional governance where the welfare of the citizens remain a top priority at all times,” CNPP said.