The Labour Party has issued a statement condemning the alleged brutalisation of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the Nigerian Police and agents of the Imo state government.
The statement titled “Ajaero: FG, APC Failure to Condemn the Use of Maximum Force Against Labour Leaders, a Tacit Approval of Autocracy in Nigeria”, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, describes the incident as the “lowest moment in government/worker relationship” and criticises the silence of the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the matter.
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The Labour Party aligns with the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in demanding the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, the Area Commander, and other officials believed to be involved in the mistreatment of Comrade Ajaero and fellow workers.
The party had previously petitioned the Chairman of the Police Service Commission about the continued stay in office of the present Commissioner of Police in Imo State, who had disregarded the Commission’s directive for his immediate redeployment.
The Labour Party also accused the Imo State Police Command of bias against the party and its candidate, citing an incident where the party secretariat was invaded and destroyed by known thugs and agents of the state government while the police looked away.
The party calls on the police hierarchy to immediately restructure the entire police structure in Imo State and urges all workers in Nigeria to stand solidly behind their leaders in this difficult time.