The Imo State Police Command operatives have apprehended Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), during an ongoing protest in Imo State. This development occurred as chaos erupted at the protest site, with unruly individuals targeting protesters, damaging vehicles, and causing injuries to labor union members.
As of the time of reporting, the whereabouts of the NLC President remain unknown, as he was taken away by heavily armed security personnel.
Joe Ajaero had previously issued directives for members of the NLC and affiliated unions to stage a comprehensive shutdown of all sectors in Imo State, including air, land, and sea transportation, as part of the union’s protest actions.
The protest commenced after Ajaero announced it at the conclusion of a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in Owerri, the state capital.
Ajaero’s protest stems from allegations against Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, regarding the violation and neglect of workers’ welfare. Ajaero accused the governor of hostile actions toward the state’s workers, leading to the unfortunate deaths of some due to unpaid salaries.
Furthermore, Ajaero expressed grievances over the state government’s failure to comply with the national minimum wage and the governor’s refusal to honor previous agreements, particularly the accord reached on January 9, 2021. The situation remains tense, with concerns surrounding the safety and well-being of Joe Ajaero amid the ongoing protests in Imo State.