NLC President Ajaero recounts ordeal in Imo while mobilizing workers for protest

The Nigeria Labour Congress president, Joe Ajaero, has recounted his ordeal in Imo State, where he was beaten up by suspected thugs during a planned labour protest.

Ajero who claimed that security operatives handed him over to thugs, narrated his harrowing experience at a world press conference in Abuja on Friday, November 10, 2023.

He appeared before journalists in a dark shade to cover his swollen eyes and recounted that the beating he received in Imo State was better imagined than experienced.

The labour leader suffered bruises on his face after he came under attack while mobilising workers for a protest in the state capital on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Imo Police Command had denied complicity in the assault, insisting that they only intervened on the day of the protest to prevent Ajaero from being lynched by some angry workers.

But, Ajaero maintained that his ordeal was masterminded by the police, in colaboration with Governor Hope Uzodimma and his government.

According to him, the NLC wrote to all the security agencies to inform them about the planned protest before the fateful day.

“I can’t explain the beating I received. They tied my hands and dragged me on the floor like a common criminal. I am not even a card-carrying member of any political party as alleged,” Ajaero said.

This is coming barely 24 hours before the governorship election in Imo, the home state of the labour leader.

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, Governor Uzodimma accused the NLC president of having a vested interest in the state’s political affairs, adding that he’s playing politics with labour matters in Imo.

The governor quoted Ajaero to have confirmed his affiliation to the Labour Party, saying his activities in the state are geared towards furthering his party’s agenda.