The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent raid on the headquarters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) by security operatives, describing the incident as an assault on democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement released on Thursday, Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, expressed deep concern over what the organization termed a “Gestapo-style operation” that saw security forces forcefully entering the NLC offices.
The CNPP emphasized that such actions are incompatible with democratic principles and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene.
“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 statement read.
The CNPP criticized the actions of the security agencies, accusing them of attempting to silence opposition voices and turning Nigeria into a “police state.”
The CNPP’s statement comes amidst growing tension in Nigeria, where economic challenges and security concerns have heightened public dissatisfaction.
The raid on the NLC headquarters has added to the unease, with many questioning the government’s approach to handling dissent and opposition.
While the CNPP made it clear that it does not endorse violent protests or the distribution of inciting materials, it stressed that the heavy-handedness of security forces in civilian settings is unacceptable.
The organization warned that such tactics could backfire, exacerbating public anger, especially in the current climate of economic hardship and insecurity.
“As the saying goes, ‘a hungry man is an angry man.’ 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 cautioned.
The CNPP called on President Tinubu to respect the rights of citizens, including those of the NLC, and urged the government to focus on addressing the pressing economic and security issues facing the country.
The statement concluded with a pledge that the CNPP would continue to advocate for the rights of Nigerians and speak out against any form of oppression under the guise of maintaining order.
The raid on the NLC headquarters has sparked widespread reactions, with many calling for a transparent investigation into the incident. As the situation unfolds, the spotlight is increasingly on how the Tinubu administration will balance maintaining security with upholding democratic freedoms.
For now, the CNPP’s statement adds to the chorus of voices demanding accountability and a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic governance.