Organized labor, consisting of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has started mobilizing its affiliates and state councils in preparation for a complete shutdown of the country on Wednesday.
This decision comes after the NLC and TUC resolved on Friday to go on a nationwide strike to protest the violent attack on NLC President Joe Ajaero. Ajaero was arrested by Nigerian police during a protest march organized by labor unions in Owerri, Imo State.
The protest was in response to allegations of worker rights abuses and violations by the state government.
The NLC claimed that Ajaero was mistreated by security agents who work for Governor Hope Uzodimma. However, the Imo Police command has denied these allegations and stated that Ajaero was not arrested but rather placed in protective custody.
In response to the alleged assault, the organized labor group has called for an investigation and the removal of the Commissioner of Police in Imo. They also demand the dismissal of the Area Commander of the Police and all other officers and personnel in Owerri who were involved in the attack. Additionally, they are seeking the arrest and immediate prosecution of Nwaneri Chinasa, an aide to the governor.
The National Executives Council (NEC) of the organized labor groups will convene in Abuja tomorrow to officially approve the planned nationwide strike.
According to a leader from the NLC, the strike will proceed as planned, but the directive must come from the NEC of both organizations.
The country can only avoid being grounded if it implements the demands, the source said.
“We are all going to Abuja on Tuesday for the meeting. All the affiliates have fully mobilized for the action. We are all just waiting for the directives from the centre.”
According to the union official, the NLC and TUC are working together in their fight, and the TUC has also planned a meeting for tomorrow.
The official mentioned that recent events have made it even more necessary to have a nationwide shutdown.
“What has happened since that day, some information we are hearing have further made it worst, and we are prepared for the NEC’s directive,” he stated.
