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Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed that individuals responsible for the attack on Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have been apprehended. The statement, issued by Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communications in the NSA’s office on Wednesday, urged labour unions to end their nationwide strike as investigations into the assault on Ajaero in Imo State have commenced.
The nationwide strike, initiated by the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on November 14, serves as a protest against the alleged brutality suffered by Ajaero in Imo state. Festus Osifo, TUC President, declared that the strike would persist until government authorities at all levels fulfil their responsibilities.
Ajaero was reportedly taken into custody by heavily armed police officers from the Imo council secretariat of the congress in Owerri. However, the Imo police command clarified that Ajaero was not arrested but was placed in protective custody to prevent a potential lynching by a mob.
Despite court orders restraining the labour unions from striking in Imo state and a federal order restraining the unions and their affiliates from the nationwide strike, the labour unions proceeded with the strike.
Expressing concern about the strike’s implications on Nigerians and its potential impact on the country’s economy and security, the NSA emphasised the need to exhaust ongoing dialogue processes. The NSA condemned the assault on Ajaero, describing it as against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression endorsed by the government.
The NSA revealed that relevant authorities had been directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the assault, with some arrests already made. The outcome of the investigation will be made public upon its conclusion. The Federal Government, through the Office of the NSA, appealed to labour leadership to end the current strike and allow the ongoing dialogue process to be completed.
Kiki Garba
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