The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, announced on Wednesday that law enforcement has apprehended several suspected political thugs responsible for the assault on Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Last Monday, the NLC president fell victim to a brutal attack in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, while state workers were protesting unpaid wages, as reported by Media Talk Africa.
Following this incident, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared a nationwide strike, pressing for the arrest of the assailants and their backers.
To address this escalating situation, Ribadu, through a statement endorsed by the Head of Strategic Communications in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari U Mijinyawa, appealed to the organized labour to halt the ongoing strike.
Assuring the public of progress in the case, Ribadu affirmed that arrests had been made in connection to the assault on the NLC president, promising to disclose the findings of the investigation to the public.
In the statement, he expressed concern over the potential ramifications of the strike on the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians and its possible impact on economic security and other vital national interests.
“The NSA condemns this incident in its entirety as it runs contrary to the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression upheld by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration,” the statement read, emphasizing that the Federal Government vehemently rejects such violent acts.
Furthermore, in response to the assault, authorities were ordered to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the attack and to bring the offenders to justice.
“As per current updates, several arrests have been made in relation to this matter. The outcome of the investigation will be disclosed to the public upon its conclusion,” the statement concluded.
