Organized Labour under the aegis of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has dismissed a press release sponsored by the Hope Uzodinmma media team, saying that what is happening is bigger than Imo state government
Reacting to the press release titled ‘’Workers in Imo dump Ajaero over call for strike, say they have no issues with Govt, Call on NLC National to give peace a chance’, the President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero affirmed that their action will speak for labour.
‘’According to him, our actions will speak for us. What is happening is bigger than Imo state government. Let’s watch and see. We have gone beyond press releases.
It would be recalled that Nigeria Labour Congress, recently issued a directive for total strike and shut down of Imo state over alleged militarization and brutalisation of Congress
members in Imo state.
Towards this end, all aviation workers in Owerri airport have been directed to shut down all services at the airport with effect from 12 midnight yesterday (Wednesday, March 8). A letter signed by the General Secretary of National Union of Aviation Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Ocheme Aba , and forwarded to the Managing director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), noted that the action would disable operations at the airport, especially with regard to aircraft movement in and out of the airport.
“As this matter is not of our making, we wish to crave your understanding and cooperation in order to avoid any escalation or undue exaggeration.Airlines and other concerns, as well as the airport traveling public have been notified, to make alternative arrangements.This situation shall remain in force until otherwise”‘The action by NUATE,is not in unconnected with Tuesday’s alleged physical attack on workers by agents of the State government.
Recall that NLC had instructed its State Councils through out the federation, to prepare for State Delegates Conference. Accordingly, officials of the Congress were deployed to various states, to act as Returning Officers in the elections that are supposed to usher new leadership in the respective Councils, in accordance with the statutes governing the operations of the Congress.
However, the government of Imo State in their usual characteristics, sought to influence the outcome of the election in the State.
This meddlesomeness was resisted by the Delegates who refused the unholy offerings and baits to vote for their chosen candidates.
“The resolve of the Delegates in session, did not go down well with the Government and their agents who resorted to the use of violence, to beat up delegates and scatter the venue of the Conference”.
