The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma of allegedly attacking the village of its president, Joe Ajaero on Saturday, November 4.
The NLC said the alleged attack on Azalla Owalla in Emekuku, the hometown of NLC president, was “carried out under the misguided belief that Comrade Ajaero was still present, recovering from injuries inflicted by the police and hired thugs.”
The Head, Media and Information, NLC, Comrade Benson Upah made the allegations in a statement on Sunday, November 5.
The alleged invasion of Ajaero’s village couldn’t be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
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The NLC president last week led workers to Owerri, the Imo State capital, to protest alleged failure of the Governor to keep to signed agreements and pay workers salaries.
The protest turned violent as Ajaero was assaulted in the process.
The NLC accused the state government and Commissioner of Police of being behind the attack on its president.
The NLC and Trade Union Congress have threatened to go on strike on Wednesday except the Inspector General of Police redeployed the commissioner of police in Imo, among other demands.
The statement by the NLC read: “The brazen and violent assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others on November 1st, 2023, inside the State Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Imo State, by Governor Hope Uzodimma, his thugs, and the State Police Commissioner, stands as a stark reminder of the lengths to which they are willing to go in their pursuit of suppression and brutality.
“In a shocking turn of events, on the morning of November 4th, 2023, Governor Hope 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 State 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 State 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 specter of terror.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma should be under no illusion Nigerian workers remain steadfast in their commitment to protect the rights of Imo State workers, undeterred by the current wave of violence he has chosen to pursue.
“We draw strength from the events of November 1st, which will guide our future interactions with the Governor. The workers of Imo State will prevail, and Hope’s attempts to thwart our cause through intimidation and violence will be in vain.”
