The organized labor unions, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, have announced their intention to stage a nationwide strike in response to the alleged beating and abduction of their President, Joe Ajaero. The strike, scheduled for Wednesday, November 8, 2023, was revealed during a press briefing held on Friday.
Leaders of the joint union have outlined a six-point demand directed at the Federal Government, which includes the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State and the Area Commander, among other officials, for their alleged involvement in the assault and humiliation of Ajaero and fellow workers.
The incident in question took place when Ajaero was apprehended by the police during a protest over non-payment of workers by the Imo State Government in the state’s capital.
The Nigeria Labour Congress accused Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, of conspiring with the state’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Barde, in the “abduction” of their President. The NLC contended that the Imo State government had consistently employed “instruments of violence and intimidation” against trade unions and their leadership in the state, despite their demand that the governor settle the unpaid salaries of state workers.
In a statement titled “The President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero has been abducted by Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Police Commissioner,” jointly signed by the Secretaries of the Unions, Emmanuel Ugboaja (NLC) and Nuhu Toro (TUC), and made available to the public, they expressed their concern over Ajaero’s detention and called for the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement read, “Just as Nigerian workers gathered earlier this morning led by the leadership of the two Labour centers to demonstrate our outrage over the serial and habitual abuse and violation of the rights of workers in the state, the government unleashed blood-curdling mayhem on the workers.”
However, the state’s Police Command and the governor have both denied arresting Ajaero, with the police asserting that the NLC President was in Warri as part of the Congress’s preparations for a massive protest demonstration in the state. Reports had suggested the possibility of critical facilities, including the state’s airport, being targeted for lockdown during the planned protests. The situation remains tense, with both labor unions and the government issuing conflicting accounts of the events that transpired.
