NLC, Imo Govt fight dirty over ‘attack’ on Ajaero’s village
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinmma of sending thugs to attack the home of its President, Joe Ajaero, on Saturday.
But the state government denied the allegation, describing it as “cheap, baseless, and vicious propaganda”.
The NLC said the alleged attack on Azalla Owalla in Emekuku, the hometown of the NLC President, was “carried out under the misguided belief that Comrade Ajaero was still present”.
Ajaero last Wednesday led workers to Owerri, the Imo State capital, to protest the alleged failure of the governor to pay salaries.
The protest turned violent as Ajaero was assaulted in the process, with the police taking him into “protective custody”.
The NLC accused the state government and Commissioner of Police of being behind the attack.
The NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) threatened to go on strike on Wednesday unless the Inspector General of Police redeployed the Commissioner of Police in Imo, among other demands.
NLC Head of Media and Information, Comrade Benson Upah, said in a statement that last week’s attack on Ajaero “stands as a stark reminder of the lengths to which they are willing to go in their pursuit of suppression and brutality”.
The statement reads: “In a shocking turn of events, on the morning of November 4th, 2023, Governor Uzodimma once again demonstrated his utter disregard for human rights and democratic principles by invading and attacking the community of Azalla Owalla in Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State, the hometown of NLC President.
“It is evident that the governor’s sinister objective is the assassination of the President of the Congress, a motive laid bare by this latest act of aggression on the community.
“This invasion was carried out under the misguided belief that Comrade Ajaero was still present, recovering from injuries inflicted by the police and hired thugs.
“The use of excessive force against citizens who hold differing opinions or dare to question the Governor’s governance style, particularly in relation to the inhumane treatment of workers in Imo State, is an affront to democracy.
“The current situation in Imo is nothing short of a descent into fascism, where terror takes precedence over reason, and dialogue is pushed to the sidelines.
“We urgently call on the Inspector General of Police to rein in the Imo Police Commissioner, preventing further abuse and desecration of the nation’s police force.
“The Commissioner has become a tool of oppression in the hands of the fascist governor, perpetrating intimidation and harassment on the people of Imo State. Immediate removal is essential to prevent an impending crisis.
“The President of the Federal Republic and all patriotic citizens of Nigeria must not remain silent in the face of this bloodshed. It is imperative that the governor be held accountable.
“We believe that the President holds the means to rein in the excesses of the governor, and these measures must be swiftly employed to safeguard lives and properties in the state.
“The people of Azalla Owalla are entitled to their peace, and the continued occupation of their community by the Police and Uzodimma’s thugs, in the wake of the assault on their fellow citizens, constitutes an ongoing insult.
“The occupying forces must immediately vacate the territory, granting the people the freedom to engage in their socioeconomic activities without the looming spectre of terror.
“Governor Uzodimma should be under no illusion Nigerian workers remain steadfast in their commitment to protect the rights of Imo workers, undeterred by the current wave of violence he has chosen to pursue.
