The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Council (TUC) have issued a strong call to action, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the escalating situation involving Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. The demand comes in the wake of the violent incident that unfolded on Wednesday, targeting members of the workers’ unions.
According to reports, the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was forcefully apprehended from the Congress’s Imo State Council Secretariat in Owerri by heavily armed security operatives. In a joint statement signed by Emmanuel Ugboaja and Nuhu Toro, the NLC and TUC strongly condemned the actions of the Imo State Government.
In the statement, the labour groups expressed deep concern over Uzodinma’s alleged role in turning the state into a breeding ground for thuggery and bloodshed. They stressed the urgency of President Tinubu’s intervention to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
“Hope Uzodinma must be called to order by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to avert the dire consequences of his reckless actions – turning the state into a den of thugs and bloodsuckers,” the statement read.
In the face of adversity, the unions remain resolute in their determination to ensure that the workers’ demands are heard. They emphasized their unwavering commitment to engage with the government until their concerns are addressed.
“We will persist in our engagement as trade unions until the government listens to the demands of the workers,” the statement continued.
The unions also sent a clear message to Governor Uzodinma, stating that the violence witnessed by Ajaero’s arrest and detention was absolutely unacceptable. The Imo State Police Command has denied any involvement in Ajaero’s apprehension.
