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In response to an altercation with Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Labour Party (LP) has called for the immediate removal of the Imo state police commissioner.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Ajaero was taken from the NLC’s Imo council secretariat in Owerri by a heavily armed police contingent, according to sources.
The NLC has stated that Ajaero was allegedly physically assaulted and immediately blindfolded following his arrest by security operatives.
In opposition to the NLC’s narrative, the Imo police command maintained that Ajaero was not apprehended but was safeguarded in protective custody to prevent a potential mob attack.
Responding to the incident, the LP, in a statement issued on Friday by Obiora Ifoh, the party’s national publicity secretary, strongly criticized the assault on Ajaero.
‘It has been nearly three days after the attack, brutalisation, battering and humiliation of Nigeria Labour Congress’ President, Comrade Joe Ajaero allegedly by the men of Nigerian Police, goons of the Imo state governor and other agents of the government in what appears to be the lowest moment in government/workers relationship,’ the statement reads.
Read also: You Politicised Labour Unions In Imo, Uzodinma Hits Ajaero
‘The Federal Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC have kept mute even as virtually all Nigerians and international community are all united in condemnation of the beastial act.’
‘The Labour Party had a few months ago petitioned the Chairman, Police Service Commission on the continued stay in office and discharge of duties of the present Commissioner of Police in Imo state who once held sway of the Adamawa State Police Command.’
‘Even against the directive of the Commission, that the CP be redeployed immediately, he has blatantly disregarded the order.’
‘A particular case that readily comes to mind is the invasion and destruction of our party secretariat by known thugs and agents of the state government while the police looked away.’
‘These same faces have also been fingered in the mob attack on Comrade Ajaero. They are still walking the street free with the government giving them the needed defence.’
‘We are using this medium to call on the Police hierarchy to immediately rejig the entire police structure in Imo state.’
