From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abia State said they are joining in the nationwide strike declared by their national bodies and slated to begin on Tuesday, November 14.
A statement titled Notice of “Nationwide Industrial Action” jointly signed by Comrades Pascal Nweke and Emma Alozie, NLC Abia state Chairman and Secretary respectively said this was in response to what it described as the recent abduction, physical assault and attempt on the life of the National President of NLC Comrade Joe Ajaero in Imo State.
“The incident which took place on Thursday, November 2, on the orders of the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, saw the Imo State Police Command abducting the NLC President from Imo NLC State Council Secretariat in Owerri, where he was waiting to flag off a peaceful protest rally against Imo State Government for non-payment of workers’ salaries and pensioners, during which he was man handled and violated by the police men. Later was blindfolded and moved to unknown location where further mistreatment was meted out on him”.
Going further, the statement added, “Unequivocally the Abia State NLC state that, it is unfortunate that Imo Sute Governor through the State Police Command has fully exploited the atmosphere of industrial tyranny in a determined effort to disorganize, dislodge and ultimately undermine the integrity of Labour Movement in the Country”.
The statement said the essence of the release was to put all affiliate of NLC and their leadership on red alert and to urge them to begin sensitization and mobilization of their members in readiness to join the planned nationwide strike beginning from Tuesday,November 14.
“In this regard all workers in Abia State both in Federal, State and LGAs and Private Sector workers are by this notice directed to withdraw their services from Tuesday November 14, by 0.00hrs”, the statement added.