Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the barring of some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors ― billed to attend their party’s last mega rally before the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State― from entering the state.
NLC president Abdulwahed Omar condemned the action in a statement he released on Friday, saying it is a violation of the governors’ basic right to free movement.
“We at the Congress believe the orders are a violation of Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which states that “For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day,” Omar said.
“It is also a violation of their constitutional right to freely move, associate and express themselves. The hypocrisy of “these orders” is laid bare by its selective implementation as the Ministers of Defence and Police Affairs, (both of PDP), Messrs Musiliu Obanikoro and Jelili Adesanya were said to have been given passage with fanfare.”
Omar described the action as a tyrannical use of power and an assault on Nigeria’s hard earned democracy, saying such actions must not be allowed to stand.
“We warn that those who undermine the democratic and constitutional rights of others not only endanger our democracy but make a bad investment as whatever goes around, comes around. President Jonathan should ensure this never happens again. The cavalier use of our soldiers, especially in furtherance of a dirty job is nihilistic,” Omar said.
“We also find it necessary to caution against the over-militarisation of the state as this has the potential of scaring voters from exercising their civic duty.”
However, Omar classified that NLC is not against providing security for voters, but that soldiers should not be deployed in a manner that suggest that the nation is at war with a foreign enemy.
The governors barred from entering Ekiti on Friday were Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Governor of Kano State Musa Kwankwaso and Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State.