Following the arrest of president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero in Imo State, the organized Labour has threatened nationwide strike.
NN News Media learnt that Ajaero was whisked away by the Police at the ongoing protest in Imo state as hoodlums descended on protesters, smashing vehicles and inflicting wounds on labour members.
NLC president had accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, of violating and neglecting workers’ welfare.
He alleged that due to the hostile actions of the governor towards workers in the state, many of them have died because of the lack of payment of their salaries.
Meanwhile in a joint statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja and TUC’s Comrade Nuhu Toro, the two labour unions put workers on alert for an immediate nationwide action if Ajaero is not released by the end of Wednesday, The Guardian reports.
“We call on Nigerian workers, wherever they may be; in the respective industrial Unions; the state Councils and the Branches to be on alert for an immediate nationwide action if by the end of today, the President of the Congress is not released,” the statement read.
“We cannot be at work while our President is in the gulag, and we cannot be at peace when the Government of Imo state continues to disrespect workers and treat them with utter disdain.
“With this statement, we want to put the Nigerian Government on notice that we want the President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) immediately released.
“The injuries meted to him must be treated forthwith and his freedom to lead Nigerian workers in a peaceful protest guaranteed.
“This is what we demand as we proceed to the meetings of the various Organs to take decisions on further steps that will be taken. If this is not heeded now, anything that happens in the Country, the Governor of Imo State and the Police Commissioner must be held responsible.”
The Organised Labour stated that Nigeria is a country of Laws and especially the leaders must learn to work within its ambits.
They urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Egbetokun who is in Imo to call his operatives to order to avoid loss of lives, properties and further injuries on innocent workers in the state.
The NLC and TUC said that “workers in Imo state must be free and we must all join hands to ensure that this happens.”
However, Imo State Police Command has denied arresting the labour leader on Wednesday afternoon.
