Emmanuel Ochayi
The organized labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), have declared their intention to stage a nationwide strike in response to the abduction and beating of their President, Joe Ajaero.
The strike, set for Wednesday, November 8, 2023, was revealed during a press briefing on Friday. Prime Business Africa reported the brutal attack on the NLC President by Security Operatives in Imo State on Thursday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAddressing the press on behalf of the workers, the NLC’s Deputy President, Adeyanju Adewale, and TUC’s Deputy President, Tommy Okon, voiced their concerns and delivered their message to the Federal Government.
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“The NLC President was blindfolded and forcibly taken away by security operatives in the state before intervention from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu,” Adewale stated. “He was also subjected to a brutal beating, along with other workers, and had his phone confiscated. Journalists were also mistreated, with evidence being concealed from the public.”
Okon continued, “We express our deep concern over the Federal Government’s indifference to this issue and the failure of security personnel to intervene, despite being informed about the presence of our leaders in the state.”
The labor unions have put forth a list of six demands to the Federal Government, including the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, and the Area Commander, among other officials, for their alleged complicity in the assault and humiliation of Ajaero and other workers.
The joint union’s statement further insisted, “The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, should not only be investigated and redeployed but should also be held accountable for his actions against Ajaero. The Area Commander and other officers who oversaw the brutalization of our President and other workers in Owerri should be relieved of their duties and stripped of their commissions. Mr. Nwaneri Chinasa, Adviser on Special Duties, who supervised the violence against workers and the brutality inflicted on Congress President Comrade Joe Ajaero, must be arrested immediately and prosecuted for his crimes against workers and the President.”
The labor unions demanded a thorough examination of Ajaero’s physical and psychological injuries and the immediate restoration of any lost properties. They made it clear that if the government fails to meet their demands, they, along with their affiliates, will no longer guarantee peace in the country, promising nationwide protests.
The NLC accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma of conspiring with the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, to ‘abduct’ their President.
The state Police Command and the governor denied arresting Ajaero, claiming that he was in Owerri as part of the Congress’ plans to organize workers for a massive protest in the state. Meanwhile, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, refuted allegations against the government, describing those making the accusations as “perennial mischief-makers.”
As the labor unions stand firm in their demand for justice, the nation braces itself for a potential strike that could disrupt daily life and business operations nationwide.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
