Sowore's Arrest Drama Embarrassing, Threatens Democracy, NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the Department of State Services (DSS) for its conduct during the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The NLC described the scene as "rowdy," "bullish," and an act of "mass intimidation," deeming the entire episode "embarrassing" and a potential threat to Nigeria's democratic foundations.

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We are appalled by the conduct of the DSS at the Federal High Court, Abuja while taking into custody Mr. Omoyele Sowore. 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.

In a statement issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labor union expressed outrage over the unnecessary drama and humiliation Sowore faced. Ajaero questioned the DSS's intense involvement, suggesting the agency was acting as both accuser and jailer. He argued that such matters should fall under the purview of the Ministry of Justice or the Attorney General of the Federation.

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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.

The NLC president further contended that the DSS appears to be deviating from its constitutional mandate. Instead of safeguarding the Nigerian state, the agency's actions, he stated, portray it as an entity overly focused on protecting individuals or the government. This, Ajaero warned, is a departure from its duty to monitor all, including the President, and act to preserve the state's interests.

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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.

Ajaero stressed the supremacy of the Nigerian state over individuals and governments, cautioning that democracy is endangered when institutions prioritize pleasing those in power over their core duties. He drew a parallel to historical events like the Watergate scandal, emphasizing the need for strong institutions rather than strong individuals to ensure democratic survival.

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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.