The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has alleged an invasion and attack of Azalla community, Owalla in Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State the hometown of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the agents of the state government attempting to assassinate the Labour leader.
OPTIMUM TIMES recalls that the NLC President was almost killed on Wednesday November 1st, in Imo state where he had arrived to lead a protest March against protracted humiliation and indebtedness to workers by the state government. Ajaero was was arrested, beaten and brutalized by government agents and sponsored thugs. This was however denied by the police and the state government.
But NLC in a statement Sunday by its Head of Media and Information, Comrade Benson Upah, raised alarm over latest attacks in the home town of the NLC leader, Ajaero, alleging that it was masterminded by the Imo state government.
According to NLC, “In a shocking turn of events, on the morning of November 4th, 2023, Governor Hope Uzodimma, once again demonstrated his utter disregard for human rights and democratic principles by invading and attacking the community of Azalla Owalla in Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State the hometown of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
“It is evident that the Governor’s sinister objective is the assassination of the President of the Congress, a motive laid bare by this latest act of aggression on the community. This invasion was carried out under the misguided belief that Comrade Ajaero was still present, recovering from injuries inflicted by the police and hired thugs.
“The use of excessive force against citizens who hold differing opinions or dare to question the Governor’s governance style, particularly in relation to the inhumane treatment of workers in Imo State, is an affront to democracy. The current situation in Imo State is nothing short of a descent into fascism, where terror takes precedence over reason, and dialogue is pushed to the sidelines”.
The full texts of the statement reads:
PRESS RELEASE 5TH OF NOVEMBER, 2023
HOPE UZODIMMA CONTINUES ON HIS MURDEROUS MISSION AGAINST NIGERIAN WORKERS AND TRADE UNION LEADERS: INVADES AND ATTACKS NLC PRESIDENT’S COMMUNITY IN IMO STATE
The brazen and violent assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others on November 1st, 2023, inside the State Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Imo State, by Governor Hope Uzodimma, his thugs, and the State Police Commissioner, stands as a stark reminder of the lengths to which they are willing to go in their pursuit of suppression and brutality.
In a shocking turn of events, on the morning of November 4th, 2023, Governor Hope Uzodimma, once again demonstrated his utter disregard for human rights and democratic principles by invading and attacking the community of Azalla Owalla in Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State the hometown of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
It is evident that the Governor’s sinister objective is the assassination of the President of the Congress, a motive laid bare by this latest act of aggression on the community. This invasion was carried out under the misguided belief that Comrade Ajaero was still present, recovering from injuries inflicted by the police and hired thugs.
The use of excessive force against citizens who hold differing opinions or dare to question the Governor’s governance style, particularly in relation to the inhumane treatment of workers in Imo State, is an affront to democracy. The current situation in Imo State is nothing short of a descent into fascism, where terror takes precedence over reason, and dialogue is pushed to the sidelines.
We urgently call on the Inspector General of Police to rein in the Imo State Police Commissioner, preventing further abuse and desecration of the nation’s Police force. The Commissioner has become a tool of oppression in the hands of the fascist Governor, perpetrating intimidation and harassment on the people of Imo State. Immediate removal is essential to prevent an impending crisis.
The President of the Federal Republic and all patriotic citizens of Nigeria must not remain silent in the face of this bloodshed. It is imperative that the Governor be held accountable. We believe that the President holds the means to rein in the excesses of the Governor, and these measures must be swiftly employed to safeguard lives and properties in the state.
The people of Azalla Owalla are entitled to their peace, and the continued occupation of their community by the Police and Uzodimma’s thugs, in the wake of the assault on their fellow citizen, constitutes an ongoing insult. The occupying forces must immediately vacate the territory, granting the people the freedom to engage in their socioeconomic activities without the looming specter of terror.
Governor Hope Uzodimma should be under no illusion – Nigerian workers remain steadfast in their commitment to protect the rights of Imo State workers, undeterred by the current wave of violence he has chosen to pursue. We draw strength from the events of November 1st, which will guide our future interactions with the Governor. The workers of Imo State will prevail, and Hope’s attempts to thwart our cause through intimidation and violence will be in vain.
Comrade Benson Upah
Head Media and Information
NLC
