In response to the alleged assault of its president, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a November 8, strike notice to the Federal Government.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the unions through the NLC Deputy President, Adeyanju Adawale and TUC Deputy President Tommy Okon, issued a six-point demand to the Federal Government, including the immediate dismissal of the Imo State Commissioner of Police and Area Commander, who were implicated in the incident.
The unions also called for the prosecution of all those involved in the assault and urged the government to take steps to protect workers’ rights.
“The Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force and all other officers in Owerri, through whom the police commissioner supervised the brutalization and humiliation of President Ajaero and all other workers be relieved of his office and stripped of his commission.
“Mr Nwaneri Chinasa, Adviser on Special Duty who supervised the terror of workers and brutality meted to the NLC President to be arrested immediately and prosecuted for his crime against the NLC and workers.
“We demand an immediate and unbiased thorough professional medical examination of comrade Ajaero in light of the physical and psychological injuries inflicted on him.
“Other workers and journalists subjected to inhuman treatment by hope Uzodimma group be treated by the state and all the properties lost be restored immediately.
“We further resolved that in the event the government fails to further resolve or comply with any of all the conditions above stated, NLC, TUC and their affiliates will no longer guarantee industrial peace and harmony in Nigeria beginning Wednesday 8 November 2023” Okon added.
Truthlive news recalls that the NLC President was reportedly captured and brutalized during the organised labour protest in Imo State on Wednesday.
Ajaero was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force and later appeared with injuries on his face, revealing that he was beaten.