National Strike Planned Over Attack on Labour Leader, Joe Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have planned a nationwide strike in response to their President, Joe Ajaero, being beaten and kidnapped.

The strike is planned on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in response to what they see as a serious attack on their leader.

The unions have submitted the Federal Government with a six-point demand, including the immediate resignation of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, among other officials, whom they accuse of being complicit in the brutalization and humiliation of Ajaero and other workers.

During a news conference, Adeyanju Adewale and Tommy Okon, Deputy Presidents of the NLC and TUC, spoke on behalf of the workers. Joe Ajaero was blindfolded and hauled away by security operatives in Imo State, according to their statement. He and other workers were physically abused, and his phone was confiscated. Journalists covering the event were allegedly mistreated as well.

The unions voiced worry over the Federal Government’s apparent failure to address the matter and the lack of intervention by security forces, despite being aware of their leaders’ presence in the state.

The unions are demanding that the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, be investigated, redeployed, and held accountable, as well as the expulsion of the Area Commander and other officers implicated in the brutalization. They also want a thorough evaluation of Joe Ajaero’s bodily and psychological injuries, as well as the quick return of lost property.

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Unions have warned that if the government does not meet their demands, they will no longer guarantee the country’s tranquility and will stage widespread protests.

Joe Ajaero was reportedly detained by police during a protest against the Imo State Government’s failure to pay workers. The NLC accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and the state Commissioner of Police of plotting to kidnap its President. The state Police Command and the governor, however, both denied Ajaero’s arrest, with the police claiming that Ajaero was in Owerri as part of the Congress’ preparations to organize a workers’ protest and the governor denying any involvement in the incident.

The situation remains highly charged, and the unions are adamant about pressing their demands in the face of perceived unfairness and violence against their leaders.