Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has disclosed that the individuals behind the recent assault on Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have been apprehended. The revelation comes amid a nationwide strike by the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), which began on November 14, in protest against the alleged brutality of Ajaero in Imo state.
Ribadu, through a statement from Zakari Mijinyawa, the head of strategic communications in the NSA's office, implored the labor unions to halt their strike, emphasizing that an investigation into the assault on Ajaero in Imo has already commenced. The NLC and TUC embarked on the strike despite court orders, citing government negligence in fulfilling its responsibilities.
Festus Osifo, TUC president, asserted that the strike would persist until governments at all levels fulfill their obligations. The strike was initially sparked by Ajaero's reported detainment by heavily armed police officers at the Imo council secretariat. However, the Imo police command countered, stating that Ajaero was taken into protective custody to prevent a potential mob attack.
The NSA expressed concern about the strike's impact on Nigerians' livelihoods, the economy, and national security. Ribadu's intervention in Ajaero's assault case aimed to uphold the principles of freedom of association and expression endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
“The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law," the statement read.
Ribadu assured that the investigation's findings would be made public, emphasizing the government's commitment to holding those responsible accountable. He urged the labor leadership to end the strike, allowing the ongoing dialogue process to reach a resolution.
“The Federal Government will never condone such an act,” Ribadu declared, emphasizing the importance of exhausting the dialogue process underway.
