The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of civil rights activist Omoyele Sowore, condemning his arrest as part of a disturbing pattern of state repression.
In a statement by its president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC decried Sowore’s repeated arrests, calling them unacceptable, especially amid reports he was injured during the latest incident.
“If Sowore has offended any big man or woman in government or has in any way offended the law, they should be bold enough to explore the legal options available, such as going to court, but certainly not to resort to this level of harassment,” Ajaero stated.
He emphasized that freedom of speech and association are guaranteed rights under the constitution, and any breach of these rights by the government is dangerous.
The NLC warned that “silence in the face of such repression is complicity,” urging full adherence to the rule of law and affirming solidarity with all victims of state intimidation.