NLC Laments Lack Of Justice One Year After Brutal Attack On President Joe Ajaero In Imo

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed frustration over the lack of justice one year after its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, was reportedly brutalised in Owerri, Imo State.

Despite the passage of time, those responsible for the assault have yet to be held accountable.

In a statement titled “It is One Year After,” issued by Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, the congress condemned the absence of legal action against the perpetrators.

Reflecting on Ajaero’s resilience, the NLC noted that despite his ordeal, he remains unwavering in his commitment to the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.

The NLC emphasized the need for justice to deter future assaults on labour leaders and urged authorities to bring those involved in the incident to account.

The congress reiterated its stance on protecting its members and pledged continued advocacy for fair treatment and respect for the rights of Nigerian workers.

The statement read, “Today (yesterday) marks the first one-year anniversary that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, was abducted, brutalised, and left for dead by the agents of the state in Owerri, capital of Imo State.

“His offence was leading workers to peacefully protest against the non-payment of salaries and pensions in Imo State after exhausting all other processes of dialogue.

“The conditions precedent as prescribed by the law were fully met before the protest notice was sent to the state government.

“Yet Comrade Joe Ajaero was picked up beaten like a common felon.

“He had to be moved quickly to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for better management of his condition.

“The entire nation was stunned and outraged by the audacity and impunity of the agents of the state, for not even during the military era was such brutality or bestiality visited on any Labour leader, let alone the President of the Nigeria Labour.

“It took more than six months of treatment in and outside the country for Comrade Joe Ajaero to fully regain his sight and functionality of his body.

“However, while he regained his sight and use of his body, state harassment did not abate.

“In or around August this year, the harassment reached an octane level when he was invited by the police to defend himself on allegations of terrorism financing, subversion, treasonable felony, etc.

“In a scaled-up operation, he was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, detained, and prevented from attending a conference in the UK.

“One year after his first major ordeal, we are delighted to inform the world that Joe Ajaero remains unbroken and unbowed, totally committed to serving Nigerian workers.

“It is nonetheless curious that none has been brought to justice for his ordeal in Imo State, his home state. We at the Nigeria Labour Congress do believe he is deserving of justice.

“The NSA gave his word that those involved in the despicable conduct in Imo State would be brought to book. It was the basis for suspending the national protest that followed the brutalisation of Joe Ajaero. It has been one full calendar year and counting.

“But whatever the attitude of the government may be to this, we at the Nigeria Labour Congress unequivocally state that on no condition must this ever happen again.

“This country has so much prospect. There is no reason for any of the citizens to go through what they are going through.”