Professor Joy Ezeilo, a former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, has raised alarm over the current state of affairs in Nigeria, following the recent terrorism charges leveled against Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero.
Expressing her concern, Professor Ezeilo criticized the actions of the police, describing them as unprofessional and politically motivated. She argued that Nigerian leaders are more inclined to engage in trivial political matters rather than tackling the serious security challenges facing the nation.
Speaking on Friday, Ezeilo emphasized that the issue surrounding Ajaero should have been handled discreetly and professionally, instead of being made a public spectacle.
“If what I heard about the police interrogation of NLC Leader Joe Ajaero is true, then we’re in deep trouble with the politicization of security matters and unprofessionalism at its worst,” she wrote on her X handle.
Ezeilo further questioned the leadership decisions in Nigeria, stating, “What kind of leaders do we have making decisions about our collective security? It’s clear why insecurity continues to plague Nigeria, as those responsible focus on trivial matters. This issue shouldn’t have become public, stirring up unnecessary controversy. Enough is enough! There’s no time to waste addressing the country’s monumental insecurity.”
As a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ezeilo called on the Nigeria Police to maintain professionalism and refrain from political posturing. “Police, you can and should do better than this. It’s time for action, not just words or political posturing,” she added.
