…Gives Tinubu, FG 6-point demand
..As Imo NUJ, OPF, NUPENG, others flay attack
The organised Labour Unions, comprising the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, have declared a nationwide strike over the attack on its NLC President, Comr Joe Ajaero in Owerri,Imo state capital
Speaking at the weekend on the development at a briefing in Abuja , the leadership of the NLC and TUC issued a 6-point demand to the Federal Government, including the immediate removal of the Imo State Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander, among other police officers, for their alleged involvement in the brutalisation and humiliation of Ajaero and other workers.
The nationwide strike is to commence Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
It will be recalled that the NLC President,Comr AJaero was reportedly captured and brutalized during the planned organised Labour protest in Imo State last Wednesday.
Ajaero was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force and later appeared with injuries on his face, neck and hand revealing that he was thoroughly beaten.
Speaking on the development on Thursday, the NLC Publicity Secretary, Benson Upah, said Ajaero could not be treated at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri, because of the degree of injuries he sustained, hence the need to fly him abroad for treatment.
Reports revealed that Ajaero was picked up from the Imo council secretariat of the NLC in Owerri last Wednesday and taken into what the police called protective custody.
The NLC, however, alleged that Ajaero was beaten and blindfolded immediately after he was arrested by security operatives.
The Labour Party, LP,also in its reaction to the development, condemned the attack in a statement on Friday by Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity secretary.
The statement read in part: “It has been nearly three days after the attack, brutalisation, battering and humiliation of Nigeria Labour Congress’ President, Comrade Joe Ajaero allegedly by the men of Nigerian Police, goons of the Imo state governor and other agents of the government in what appears to be the lowest moment in government/workers relationship.
“The Federal Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC have kept mute even as virtually all Nigerians and international community are all united in condemnation of the beastial act.
“The Labour Party had a few months ago petitioned the Chairman, Police Service Commission on the continued stay in office and discharge of duties of the present Commissioner of Police in Imo state who once held sway of the Adamawa State Police Command.
“Even against the directive of the Commission, that the CP be redeployed immediately, he has blatantly disregarded the order.
“A particular case that readily comes to mind is the invasion and destruction of our party secretariat by known thugs and agents of the state government while the police looked away.
“These same faces have also been fingered in the mob attack on Comrade Ajaero. They are still walking the street free with the government giving them the needed defence.
“We are using this medium to call on the Police hierarchy to immediately rejig the entire police structure in Imo state.”
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT
