The National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Shu’aibu Usman Leman, has strongly condemned the brutal treatment suffered by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajero. He described this incident as an alarming display of excessive force by law enforcement agencies.
In an official statement released by NUJ, they assert that the Imo State Government should be held accountable for any adverse consequences that may result from this incident involving Comrade Ajero or any other NLC official.
Alhaji Leman, in a press statement issued on Thursday, stated, “We are deeply disturbed by the unwarranted aggression faced by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajero, at the hands of sponsored thugs and the Nigerian Police.”
Media reports indicate that during the incident on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, while Comrade Ajero was being subjected to violence, one person was tragically feared dead as unruly individuals descended on protesters. They vandalized vehicles, caused injuries, and confiscated mobile phones from labour union members gathered at the NLC State Secretariat.
“We are equally appalled by the ruthless manner in which Comrade Ajero was assaulted and subsequently taken into custody,” Alhaji Leman added.
He further pointed out, “Clearly, the Nigeria Police and other state authorities have failed to learn from the lessons of our fledgling democracy, which presupposes that the behaviour of such state agents should be civilized and that citizens have the right to engage in peaceful assembly and protests.”
Comrade Ajero, alongside other members of the Central Working Committee (CWC), had convened at the State Secretariat in Owerri to initiate a planned strike action in response to the State Government’s perceived insensitivity towards the welfare of workers in the state.
Over the years, the Nigerian Labor Congress has been a source of hope for ordinary Nigerians in their struggle for improved conditions for workers and disadvantaged citizens in a country skewed in favour of the elite.
In recognition of their unwavering dedication, resilience, and valuable contributions to the nation’s development and democratic progress, NUJ decries the entire episode as inconsistent with responsible conduct and deeply regrettable.
NUJ unequivocally condemns this distressing development and calls for a thorough investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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