The NLC President Joe Ajaero was assaulted recently in Imo state as the NLC went to enforce an industrial action in the state. While the labour chief accused police authorities of masterminding the incident, the security agency has denied any involvement in the matter.
Days after the incident, Ajaero recounted how he was almost beaten to a pulp.
“I was in the secretariat of the NLC and called some journalists to join and then some of the officials of the NLC so that we can address the press on the situation in Imo.
“It was then that the police led other people – in mufti uniform – and they came and withdrew about 20 security personnel that were there. And then the policeman arrested me and handed me over to thugs. One of his men, I don’t know whether that one is a sergeant or inspector said: ‘Oga, why don’t you take him instead of handing him over to these people?’
“He shouted at the sergeant and said, ‘Come on, shut up!’ And that was how they dragged me on the floor and took me to this bus with about seven people.
“I don’t know but I can’t explain the beating. You know, but they tied my nose, tied my eyes and tied everywhere and were hitting me with all manner of things. They were asking me why I was challenging Hope and that I should say my last prayer and that they were taking me to Njoba River.”
Following the assault on the NLC president, organised labour picketed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. They barricaded the airport, leaving travellers stranded on Thursday, a move the FederalGovernment frowned at.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the NLC have threatened a nationwide strike, unless police authorities fish out the officers involved in the impasse.
The National Industrial Court (NIC) has on the other hand barred the NLC and TUC from going ahead with the strike.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault” and promised that “appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation”.
