The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced disappointment that, despite a full year passing since the abduction and brutalisation of its president, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the government has not taken steps to hold the perpetrators accountable.
In a statement issued by NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, the union noted that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu had assured that those responsible for the assault in Imo State would face justice, yet, a year after the incident, no action has been taken.
NLC said: “Today marks the first anniversary since the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, was abducted, brutalized, and left for dead by agents of the state in Owerri, capital of Imo State.
“It is nonetheless troubling that no one has been brought to justice for his ordeal in his home state of Imo. We at the Nigeria Labour Congress believe he is entitled to justice.
“The NSA had promised that those involved in the despicable actions in Imo State would face consequences. This assurance was the basis for calling off the national protest that followed Joe Ajaero’s assault. Now, it has been an entire year.
“Regardless of the government’s stance, we at the Nigeria Labour Congress firmly state that this must never be allowed to happen again.
“This country has enormous potential. No citizen should have to endure such treatment.”
Recalling the incident, NLC stated that Comrade Ajaero was taken and assaulted like a common criminal during a peaceful protest against unpaid salaries and pensions in Imo State last year. Despite the ordeal, NLC expressed pride that Ajaero remains resilient and fully committed to advocating for Nigerian workers.
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