Assault on Ajaero: Labour Lists Six Demands To Shelve November 8 Strike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued a six-point ultimatum to the federal and Imo state governments to address the grievances of workers and journalists who were allegedly brutalised by the police and thugs loyal to Governor Hope Uzodinma during a peaceful protest in Owerri on Wednesday.
The labour unions said they would embark on a nationwide strike on November 8 if their demands were not met, adding that they were concerned about the deteriorating health condition of Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC president, who was reportedly assaulted and injured by the police and the governor’s aide, Mr Nwaneri Chinasa.
According to a joint press statement signed by the NLC and TUC leaders, the unions demanded the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Ahmed Barde, and the arrest and prosecution of Mr Nwaneri Chinasa, the Adviser on Special Duties to the governor, for their roles in the attack on the workers and journalists.
They also demanded an independent and unbiased medical examination of Comrade Ajaero, the payment of salaries and pensions owed to workers for up to 22 months, the implementation of the national minimum wage law, the restoration of the properties lost or damaged during the protest, and the respect for the rights and autonomy of trade unions in the state.
The unions said they went to Imo state to protest against the anti-labour policies and practices of the Uzodinma administration, which they accused of violating the agreements reached with the labour movement on various industrial relations issues.
They said they were shocked by the complicity of the Nigeria Police Force, which they claimed was supposed to protect them but instead joined forces with the governor’s thugs to unleash terror on them.
They also expressed disappointment with the silence of the federal government and the security agencies, who they said were formally notified of their presence in Imo state but failed to offer protection.
They vowed to resist any attempt by the governor or any other authority to intimidate, harass, or suppress the legitimate demands of the workers and the people of Imo state.
