The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the conduct of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) during the arrest of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the incident as an embarrassment and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In a statement issued by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the labour union criticised what it described as the “rowdy scene,” “bullish behaviour,” and “mass intimidation” displayed by DSS operatives while taking Sowore into custody.
“We are appalled by the conduct of the DSS at the Federal High Court, Abuja while taking into custody Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” Ajaero said.
“The rowdy scene, bullish behaviour, the mass intimidation by the personnel and the humiliation of Sowore were totally unnecessary and embarrassing to an organisation that carries with it a certain level of sophistication or elegance.
“We are opposed to this kind of drama by our Secret Service as there was no need for it. Who were they re-enacting this for, anyway?”
Ajaero also questioned the DSS’s involvement in the case, expressing concern that the agency appeared to be acting as both the complainant and the custodian of the accused.
“Beyond this, we are worried by the interest of the DSS in this matter and the way it has prosecuted it as the accuser and the jailer.
“We have the Ministry of Justice or precisely, the Attorney General of the Federation to care for matters of this nature.”
According to the NLC president, the DSS appears to be departing from its constitutional responsibilities by focusing on protecting individuals or governments rather than safeguarding the Nigerian state.
“It is saddening to note that the DSS has taken upon itself a role that portrays it as an ingratiating agency, a departure from the one vested on it by the constitution that empowers it to monitor all, including Mr. President, and act in a manner, through pre-emption or otherwise, to preserve the state or its interest.
“When the DSS go into an overdrive to protect an individual or government at the expense of the state or a party presumed to be innocent until found guilty by a competent court of jurisdiction, that will be at variance with their oath of office.”
Ajaero stressed that the Nigerian state must remain above individuals and governments, warning that democracy is endangered when institutions prioritise pleasing those in power instead of upholding the rule of law.
“The Nigerian State is superior to all individuals or governments and the DSS ought to know the difference.
“We need strong institutions and not strong individuals for our democracy to survive. Strong individuals constitute a threat to democracy anywhere.
“When we as institutions outbid one another to please Mr. President, we are unwittingly jeopardising our democracy.”
Drawing a historical comparison, Ajaero referenced the Watergate scandal in the United States, noting that strong institutions were instrumental in holding former President Richard Nixon accountable.
“There could be no better illustration of this credo than when through the diligence of two journalists and American secret service, a sitting President, Richard Nixon, was compelled to resign from office over the Watergate scandal.”
He urged the DSS to reflect on its actions and remain guided by its constitutional mandate in the interest of democracy, justice and the rule of law.