Former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has shed light on a distressing incident during his tenure as the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) between 1999 and 2007.
Oshiomhole disclosed that he, too, experienced brutalization and unlawful detention at the hands of the Department of State Services (DSS). In a recent interview, he condemned the recent assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero in Imo State, while also expressing concerns about the decision to initiate a nationwide strike as a response to the incident.
While recounting his own ordeal, Oshiomhole revealed, “On one occasion, while en route to Delta State, I was unjustly apprehended at the airport under the orders of the then director of SSS. This action was prompted by the ultimatum we presented to the Federal Government led by President Olusegun Obasanjo.”
During the incident, Oshiomhole shared how he was forcefully dragged across the tarmac, resulting in several injuries. “I sustained cuts all over my body as they callously prevented me from boarding the flight. I was eventually taken to the office of the DSS director general, Col. [Kayode] Are,” he divulged.
Despite being offered medical attention at their own facility, Oshiomhole declined, expressing distrust in a government that inflicted such harm upon him. He asserted, “No, I cannot trust a government that has brutalized me to now treat my injuries. There is even a possibility that they might attempt to harm me further. I absolutely refuse to subject myself to that.”
As a consequence of his ordeal, Oshiomhole was detained for a period of no less than 48 hours. However, this did not dampen his determination to fight for justice. He affirmed his commitment to persisting in the pursuit of fairness and the protection of labor rights.
