Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, offers apology to NLC President over assault

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has issued an apology for the recent assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, during workers’ protests against unpaid salaries.

The incident occurred last Wednesday when political thugs attacked Ajaero amidst a strike declared by the NLC and TUC in Imo State. The strike led to the suspension of all flights to the state ahead of the gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday.

Appearing on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Governor Uzodinma expressed regret and apologized for the maltreatment, clarifying that he was unaware of Ajaero’s presence in the state.

“I was unaware of the presence of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in my state. My initial response was to condemn the action. I have never been at odds with the labor union,” Uzodinma stated.

He further emphasized his opposition to violence, stating, “As a Christian who believes in God, I cannot support violence and would never advocate for it. Whatever transpired, leading to the assault on Joe Ajaero in my state, of which I was unaware, is regrettable, and both my government and I express remorse.”

Governor Uzodinma extended an olive branch, hoping that Ajaero would approach matters in a more civilized manner in the future. He emphasized the need for open communication, stating, “For a native of my state to take to the streets without engaging me, without presenting the allegations to me.”

The NLC had responded to the incident by directing aviation unions to blacklist the Imo airport and declaring Governor Uzodinma persona non-grata.

Credit: Channels Television