Labour unions to embark on strike November 8 over assault on Ajaero

The organised labour says it would go on strike from November 8 over the assault on Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The organised labour, comprising NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), held a press briefing on Friday over the incident in Imo state.

On Wednesday, Ajaero was reportedly picked up from the NLC secretariat in Owerri, Imo state capital, by heavily armed police officers.

The NLC said Ajaero was beaten and blindfolded immediately after he was arrested by security operatives.

The labour union asked President Bola Tinubu to call Hope Uzodinma, the state governor, to order over the incident.

Denying the arrest, the police command in Imo said the NLC president was taken into protective custody to avoid being lynched by a mob.

The police said the NLC president had a heated argument with some individuals who resisted the picketing of the airport in Imo.

On Thursday, the NLC said it is having talks on the possibility of taking Ajaero abroad for medical treatment.

‘IMO POLICE COMMISSIONER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED’ 

During the press briefing, the labour leaders said Ahmed Barde, Imo police commissioner, should be investigated and deployed out of the state for “unprofessional behaviour”.

The unions said police officers who allegedly assaulted Ajaero should be relieved of their duties.

The labour leaders also called for the arrest and prosecution of Nwaneri Chinasa, an aide to Imo governor, for allegedly supervising the “terror on workers and bestial brutality”.

“We demand an immediate, independent and unbiased thorough professional medical examination of Comrade Ajaero in light of the physical and psychological injuries inflicted on him,” the labour leaders said.

“Other workers and journalists subjected to this inhumane treatment by the Police and the Hope Uzodimma’s goons be treated by the State and all the properties lost be restored immediately.

“All the outstanding Industrial Relations issues as previously agreed with the Imo state government be implemented immediately.”

The unions said it will “no longer guarantee industrial peace in Nigeria” beginning on Wednesday, November 8 if their demands are not met.