The organized labor unions in Nigeria, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), have announced plans for a nationwide strike following the reported beating and abduction of their President, Joe Ajaero.
The strike is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, as revealed during a press briefing on Friday, November 3, 2023. The joint union leaders have presented a six-point demand to the Federal Government, which includes the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, as well as the Area Commander and other officials, whom they accuse of complicity in the brutalization and humiliation of Ajaero and other workers.
The incident involving Ajaero took place in Owerri on November 1, 2023, during a protest rally organized by the NLC President to address alleged violations and abuses of the rights and privileges of workers by the state government. A scuffle broke out during the protest, resulting in injuries to Comrade Ajaero, who is now reportedly being flown abroad for better treatment.
The Imo State Police Command denied having arrested the labor leader, and the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, denied any involvement in Ajaero’s ordeal. He accused Ajaero of interfering in the state’s politics and questioned his role as a national leader of a labor organization and his involvement in local politics.
The organized labor unions have taken the abduction and assault of their President very seriously and are demanding justice and accountability. The planned nationwide strike is their response to these events and their demands for justice and the removal of implicated officials.