The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC have issued a nationwide strike directive starting from November 14.
The decision, made following an extraordinary National Executive Council NEC meeting in Abuja, has set the stage for a significant labour movement in the country.
NLC Leaders’ Resolution
Leaders of the labor bodies, as reported by Channels TV, declared the nationwide strike and initiated immediate mobilization of members and allies.
The announcement comes amidst controversy surrounding NLC President, Joe Ajaero . Recent events saw Ajaero allegedly being picked up by heavily armed police officers from the Imo council secretariat of the congress in Owerri.
The NLC, claimed that Ajaero was subjected to physical abuse and kept blindfolded during his detention. Furthermore, his personal belongings, including his phones, remain confiscated, leaving the labor community in outrage.
Police Version of Events
Contrary to the NLC’s account, the Imo police command maintained that Ajaero was not arrested. They claimed that he was placed in protective custody to prevent a potential lynching by an angry mob.
According to the police, the NLC president was involved in a heated altercation with individuals resisting the picketing of the Imo airport. The conflicting narratives surrounding Ajaero’s detention have raised concerns and questions within the human rights community.
NHRC’s Call For Accountability
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has condemned the brutal treatment inflicted upon Ajaero.
Tony Ojukwu, the NHRC’s Executive Secretary, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that those responsible for the violence against Ajaero must be held liable. He stressed that it is unacceptable to forcefully arrest unarmed citizens and called for stringent measures to deter such incidents in the future.
