The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu has confirmed the arrest of some individuals who assaulted Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Owerri, the Imo state capital on November 1.
Ajaero was assaulted while leading organized labour on a protest in the South Eastern state over allegations of unpaid salary arrears and other labour-created issues.
Organized Labour, comprising of the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in response to the assault, declared a nationwide indefinite strike action from November 14, until those who battered the labour leader are brought to book.
In a statement issued by the Head of Strategic Communications in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari U Mijinyawa, on Wednesday, Ribadu condemned the attack on Ajaero and begged labour to call off the ongoing strike in the interest of the nation.
The statement read, “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is concerned by the declaration of a nationwide strike by the leadership of the Organised Labour led by the NLC and TUC.
“The NSA is particularly worried about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests.
“As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened on learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.
“The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
“The Federal Government will never condone such an act.
“As a fallout of the incident relevant authorities were directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits. Available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.
“The Federal Government, through the Office of the NSA, therefore, appeals to the labour leadership to call off the current strike action and allow the dialogue process underway to be exhausted.”
