By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the conduct of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) during the remand of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The labour centre described the actions of the security operatives as unnecessary, embarrassing and inconsistent with the professionalism expected of the nation’s secret service.

In a statement issued by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC expressed concern over what it termed the “bullish behaviour” and public humiliation of Sowore while he was being taken into custody.

The statement, titled “Respect Rights of Others,” questioned the role being played by the DSS in the matter and the manner in which the agency has handled the case.

According to the NLC, matters of prosecution are constitutionally the responsibility of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Justice.

“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, mass intimidation by personnel and the humiliation of Sowore were totally unnecessary and embarrassing for an organisation expected to operate with a high level of sophistication and professionalism,” the statement said.

The Congress said there was no justification for what it described as a public display by the DSS, questioning the motive behind the conduct of the operatives.

“We are opposed to this kind of drama by our secret service because there was no need for it. Who were they re-enacting it for?” it asked.

The NLC further expressed concern over what it described as the DSS acting both as accuser and custodian in the matter.

“Beyond this, we are worried about the interest of the DSS in this case and the manner in which it has prosecuted it as both accuser and jailer.

“We have the Ministry of Justice, specifically the Attorney-General of the Federation, to handle matters of this nature,” the statement added.

The labour body accused the DSS of straying from its constitutional mandate, arguing that the agency should focus on protecting the interests of the state rather than appearing to defend individuals or governments.

“It is saddening that the DSS has assumed a role that portrays it as an ingratiating agency, departing from its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the state and acting in its best interest.

“When the DSS goes into overdrive to protect an individual or a government at the expense of the state, or treats a person presumed innocent until proven guilty otherwise, it acts contrary to the spirit of its mandate and oath of office,” the NLC said.

The Congress reminded the agency that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

It also stressed the need for strong institutions rather than strong individuals in a democratic society.

“The Nigerian state is superior to all individuals and governments, and the DSS ought to appreciate that distinction.

“We need strong institutions and not strong individuals for our democracy to survive. Strong individuals constitute a threat to democracy anywhere in the world.

“When institutions compete to please those in power, they risk undermining the very foundations of democracy,” the statement added.

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