The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly rejected the explanation provided by the Nigerian Police concerning what it describes as an “invasion” of its headquarters. The police issued a statement on Friday, 9th August, asserting that their operation was not directed at the NLC but was instead aimed at arresting a foreign national involved in criminal activities across Nigeria and other African nations.

According to the police, the operation, which took place within the NLC headquarters, was legally authorized and focused on a rented shop within the premises, which the suspect allegedly used as a front for his illicit operations. The statement emphasized that the action had no connection with the NLC, its secretariat, staff, or leadership.

However, following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the NLC dismissed the police’s explanation as inadequate and unconvincing. In a communique issued after the meeting, the Labour Centre described the police statement as an “afterthought” and argued that it raised more questions than it answered, demanding a clearer and more transparent explanation from the government.

“NEC-in-session rejects outrightly the explanation offered by the Police as the reason for the invasion. It described it as rather an afterthought and an attempt to cover the hidden motives behind such action as it raises more questions than answers. It therefore demands a clear explanation from the government as quickly as possible,” the communique read.

The NLC also expressed concerns that the police action could be a deliberate provocation by the government. However, it vowed to respond with caution rather than reacting out of anger, stressing the importance of restraint in the current situation. The Labour Center stated that its next course of action would be determined by the government’s response to its concerns.

“NEC believes that the invasion by the Police is a deliberate provocation by the Government and as such would not allow itself to act out of anger but to exercise caution for the greater sake of our nation. It insists that in recklessness, insanity, and irresponsibility, patriots would always take the high road of restraint.

This is what is required now and the response of the government to our queries will determine what our next line of action will be in the coming days,” the NLC concluded.