Assault on Ajaero:  NLC, TUC vow to press ahead with nationwide strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterparts, have announced that they will commence their proposed nationwide strike from midnight today.

The organised labour unions are going on strike to protest against the beating of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero and others in Owerri, Imo State on November 1, as well as other pending labour issues in the Southeastern state.

The NLC and TUc had on November 7, declared a nationwide strike by Tuesday, November 14, if their demands were not met.

This came after suspected agents of the state and security operatives had descended on the NLC leader and his fellow comrades.

Concerned individuals in the country and beyond have condemned the incident while calling for immediate justice.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun (IGP) has since ordered an investigation into the alleged assault on Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement last Friday that the IGP has directed the deputy inspector general of police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case to ascertain the “true facts” about the alleged assault.

“The Nigeria Police Force understands the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust. The IGP therefore assures the public, most especially the leadership of the organised labour, that a thorough and unbiased inquiry will be conducted to provide clarifications while urging organised labour and the public to remain calm, as he has personally intervened to address the issues surrounding this incident,” he said.

“The investigation has commenced, and the Nigeria Police Force guarantees that it will be followed to a conclusive end, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” Mr Adejobi added.