The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are planning a nationwide strike on Wednesday, November 8, to protest the abduction and assault of their president, Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero was abducted by the Imo State Police Command on Wednesday, allegedly acting on the orders of the state governor. He was blindfolded, beaten, and tortured by police officers.
The labour unions have issued a statement demanding that the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, and Mr Nwaneri Chinasa, Adviser on Special Duties, be removed from office and prosecuted for their involvement in the attack on Ajaero.
The unions also demanded that Ajaero be given a medical examination to assess the extent of his injuries, and that other workers and journalists who were mistreated by the police be treated and have their confiscated property returned.
The unions also addressed allegations that they had disobeyed a court order, stressing the need for transparency and accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding the court order. They also provided a list of grievances that had led to their planned peaceful protest and called for the resolution of these issues.
If the government fails to address the unions’ demands, the nationwide strike will begin on Wednesday, November 8.