Aviation unions direct workers to withdraw services to Imo-bound flights

Aviation unions have directed their workers to withdraw services to all Owerri flights in Imo state, from all airports in Nigeria.

The development comes on the back of a proposed nationwide strike in the state by the leadership of the labour union, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Joe Ajaero, the president of NLC, was reportedly picked up from the Imo council secretariat of the congress in Owerri by heavily armed police officers last week Wednesday.

NLC said Ajaero was beaten and blindfolded immediately after security operatives arrested him.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, four aviation unions said Hope Uzodimma, governor of the state, was banned from “entering every airport nationwide”. 

The statement was issued by the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE).

It was signed by Ocheme Aba, general-secretary, NUATE; Frances Akinjole, deputy general secretary, ATSSSAN; Abdul Rasaq Saidu, secretary general, ANAP; and Umoh Ofonime, deputy secretary-general, NAAPE.

The aviation unions said all aviation workers, both public and private, should “withdraw all services to all Owerri flights (inwards and outwards) from any airport in Nigeria with effect from midnight of 08/11/2023 (today)”.

They said their decision is due to the mayhem unleashed on workers and the state government’s continued insensitivity, as well as to comply with the directive of the joint NEC session of NLC and TUC.

“In addition, the person of Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State is hereby declared persona non grata at all airports in Nigeria,” the aviation unions said.

‘WORKERS IN SAM MBAKWE INTERNATIONAL CARGO AIRPORT TO STAY AT HOME’ 

The aviation unions said they would make further efforts through their international affiliations to blacklist Hope Uzodimma worldwide.

“Furthermore, all aviation workers in Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, owerri are hereby directed to stay at home, also with effect from midnight today (08/11/2023) as directed by NLC and TUC,” the unions said in the statement.

“Based on the above, the State Councils and all Branches of the unions will meet today at 5pm in Lagos and Abuja to agree on modalities for carrying out the above directive. The meeting in Lagos will hold at NUATE Secretariat, while that of Abuja will be at GAT (pilgrims’ terminal).

“By this notice, the airports’ managements, airlines operating into and out of Owerri, intending airport passengers into and out of Owerri, and the general public are hereby advised about this situation so as to be forewarned.”

The aviation unions said the strike action is indefinite until otherwise directed by NLC and TUC.