Yesterday, Imo State experienced political chaos as armed security operatives allegedly whisked away Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero, who was supposed to lead workers in a protest against the state government. Ajaero, addressing Imo workers at the NLC secretariat, was forcibly taken by security forces, allegedly on the orders of Governor Hope Uzodimma. The NLC had directed workers to protest for their demands, including appropriate payment of minimum wage, pensions, and gratuities.
Ajaero, after his release by the police, emerged with injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Organized labor condemned the violence, stating that workers were attacked by both thugs and policemen, leading to injuries and chaos. Despite police claims that Ajaero was taken into protective custody due to threats from union members, labor leaders called for nationwide action against the Imo State government’s treatment of workers.
The opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized Uzodimma’s government for alleged nonpayment of workers’ arrears and condemned the abduction of Ajaero, pledging to prioritize workers’ issues if elected.
