The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has strongly condemned the alleged brutal attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and several other workers in Imo State on Wednesday.
The union has expressed its outrage at this action, deeming it not only unacceptable but also entirely contrary to the legitimate and globally recognized form of protest as an instrument of expression in labour disputes within civilized societies.
ASUP conveyed this position in a statement released on Thursday and provided to the Nigerian Tribune by its National Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Yalwa.
ASUP stated that they have been closely monitoring reports from Imo State regarding the planned protest by the NLC and TUC leadership concerning the conditions of workers in Imo State. The protest had received the endorsement of the appropriate organs of the NLC and was rooted in the repeated violations of outcomes from numerous engagements between the Imo State Government and organized labour.
It is indeed shocking to learn of the reported attacks and brutalization of unarmed workers and NLC leadership to the extent of causing bodily harm to protesting comrades. These individuals were merely exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of association and expression, which serve as the cornerstones of democracy both globally and within Imo State and Nigeria.
Furthermore, it is notable that Imo State is one of the states involved in the off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for November 11, 2023. It is disheartening to read reports indicating the active involvement of state government functionaries and the complicity of the Imo State Police Command in this regrettable incident. This occurrence marks a new low in industrial relations in Nigeria, reminiscent of the years of totalitarian rule during various military dictatorships in the country.
ASUP firmly condemns not only the use of hoodlums and brute force as tools for resolving trade disputes in Imo State but also the reported complicity of the Nigeria Police, which failed to provide protection for the protesting workers and the property of organised labour in the state.
Consequently, the union demands swift intervention from President Bola Tinubu, the identification and prosecution of all individuals responsible for the violent attack, and a purposeful resolution of the issues in dispute between the workers and the state government.
ASUP stands in solidarity with NLC President Joe Ajaero and other workers who were victimized during the attack, and they await further directives from the NLC’s governing bodies regarding this matter.
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