NLC and TUC accuse Imo Governor Uzodinma of involvement in NLC President’s arrest

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have implicated Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, in the arrest of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri.

In a statement signed by Emmanuel Ugboaja from NLC and Nuhu Toro from TUC, it was alleged that Governor Uzodinma conspired with the Imo State Police Commissioner, Muhammed Barde, to apprehend Ajaero in Owerri.

The labor unions accused Uzodinma of employing violence and intimidation against trade unions in the state.

The statement described how the morning began with Nigerian workers gathering, led by representatives of both labor centers, to demonstrate their displeasure over the consistent violation of workers’ rights in the state. In response, the government allegedly unleashed chaos on the workers.

Earlier in the day, the police attempted to disperse workers who were assembling at the state NLC secretariat but were unsuccessful. Subsequently, groups of individuals described as “thugs,” stationed close to the secretariat in various Hilux and Toyota trucks, reportedly attacked the workers. These individuals allegedly caused extensive damage, including smashing car windows, delivering machete cuts, stabbing, and inflicting injuries on the workers. Personal items such as GSM handsets, laptops, and money were forcibly taken from the victims.

The situation escalated further when NLC President Joe Ajaero arrived at the scene with a few individual workers. Their intention was to assess the situation and provide leadership for the trade union action to proceed. However, they were met by a large contingent of police officers from the Imo State Police Command, who arrived in numerous trucks.