National Rescue Congress Condemns Arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress President
The National Rescue Congress, a coalition of pro-democracy groups in the Diaspora and Nigeria, strongly condemned the alleged brutal attack and subsequent arrest of Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, in Owerri.
They characterized this incident as a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people.
Ajaero was reportedly taken into custody by security operatives at the state congress secretariat, just prior to a planned protest addressing the neglect of workers’ welfare in the state.
The arrest was officially disclosed by Benson Upah, the NLC Head of Information, and it has triggered widespread indignation among the general public and activists around the world.
In a statement provided to Excel Magazine International, the Coordinators of the National Rescue Congress, Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq, and Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji, unequivocally condemned the arrest of Ajaero.
They asserted that this incident not only violates democratic principles but also raises serious concerns about the potential for leaders appointed through contentious judicial decisions to exhibit authoritarian tendencies.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT HERE:
Press Release: National Rescue Congress (NRC)
Date: November 2, 2023
For Immediate Release
National Rescue Congress Condemns the Brutal Attack on NLC President and Workers in Imo State
In a deeply concerning turn of events that reflects a profound disrespect for democratic norms and the inherent rights of the Nigerian people, the National Rescue Congress (NRC), a coalition of pro-democracy groups in the Diaspora and Nigeria, vehemently condemns the recent brutalization of workers, particularly the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, Imo State, by security agencies affiliated with the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma.
In a barbaric display of power, eyewitnesses report that Comrade Ajaero was brutally assaulted by thugs mobilized by the state government and subsequently taken away by the police to an undisclosed location. This incident, occurring amidst a legitimate protest in Owerri, is not just a violation of democratic principles but an alarming indication that leaders appointed through controversial judicial pronouncements might exhibit tyrannical tendencies.
A Call to Nigerians:
We at the NRC urge Nigerians to be prepared for decisive actions to fundamentally transform our interpersonal and intergovernmental relationships towards positive development in Nigeria. The incident in Imo State reflects a larger crisis in our democratic process, where those in leadership, often not directly elected by the populace, fail to uphold the dignity and rights of the citizens they are meant to serve.
A Threat to Democracy:
The brutalization of Comrade Ajaero, a leading figure in Nigeria’s labour movement, signifies a dangerous escalation in the suppression of civil liberties. This act of violence, coupled with the continued detention of Comrade Ajaero, is an affront to the principles of freedom of expression and assembly, pillars of any democratic society.
Our Demands:
1. Adequate Medical Provision for Comrade Ajaero: We demand that Comrade Joe Ajaero, who has been released, be flown to a well-equipped hospital abroad that can provide the urgent medical care for injuries sustained and determine the potential consequences of his health resulting from this attack.
2. Accountability for Perpetrators: We call for an independent investigation into the actions of the Imo State Government and the complicit security agencies, leading to appropriate sanctions.
3. Safeguarding Democratic Principles: We demand a renewed commitment by all levels of government to protect the rights of citizens to protest and express dissent peacefully.
4. The National Rescue Congress remains committed to the struggle for a just and democratic Nigeria where the voices of all citizens are respected. We stand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Let this incident catalyze renewed vigilance and action against any form of governmental overreach and suppression of democratic rights.
Injustice to one is an injustice to all.
National Rescue Congress (NRC):
Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq
Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji
Contact Details: Phone: +1202.446.7555
Email: NationalRescueCongress@gmal.com
