Human Rights Commission Knocks Perpetrators Of Brutal Attacks, Assaults On NLC President, Says It’s Reprehensive

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a swipe at the perpetrators of assault, arrest and brutalization of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero on Wednesday in Owerri, Imo state.

The Commission, through the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, vehemently condemned the recent brutality and violence in the arrest Joe Ajero, in Owerri.

Dr. Ojukwu while reacting to the reported assault of Ajero, described it as “reprehensible act, a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and rule of law.”

The Learned Silk 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.

According to Dr. Ojukwu, “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”.

“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” .

In a statement by the Commission’s
Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department, Agharese Arase, Dr. Ojukwu reiterated 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.

He contended that 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.

Dr. Ojukwu called 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.

However, he expressed optimism that “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”.

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