Manhandling of Ajaero an attack on Nigerian workers, democracy, Labour Writers say

Manhandling of Ajaero an attack on Nigerian workers, democracy, Labour Writers say

 

 

Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) has condemned in strongest term, the brutilazation of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero by alleged agents of the Imo State Government.

 

 

In a press release by the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Toba Agboola and Adenike Ajiboye respectively, LAWAN described it as a shameful act and barbarism that should not be accepted by workers and Nigerians.

 

“That a number one worker in the country can be treated in such a way is a big slap to all workers and it’s a sign that nobody is safe in this country,” the statement read.

 

Adding: “If such treatment can be meted to somebody like Comrade Joe Ajaero that has paid his dues and is on a legitimate NLC assignment, shows that an average Nigerian is not safe. It shows that there is no rule of law.

 

“It is a slap to Nigerian workers, it’s a slap to our democracy and the citizen of Imo State. Don’t also forget that Comrade Joe Ajaero is from Imo State. It’s a big shame.

 

“We call on all Nigerian workers to rise up to the occasion because an injury to one is an injury to all.

 

“The NLC president and other executives were in Owerri on Wednesday, November 1, to mobilize Imo workers for a protest rally in the state over an alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers by the state government, but the planned peaceful protest turned violent with allegations that thugs emerged and descended on the protesters and labour leaders.

 

“Regardless of the sentiment that the perpetrators of this act might express, there is no moral or legal justification for violence against a fellow citizen. There should be no place for violence in Imo state. How did we get here,” the statement said.