The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have jointly declared a nationwide strike set to commence on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. The decision was made following an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.
This significant move comes in response to the recent brutalization of NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State, which has sparked widespread outrage among the organized labor unions. Accusing the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, of complicity in the attack on Ajaero, the Organized Labor had issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to replace the police commissioner. They also placed blame on Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the assault on Ajaero.
However, Governor Uzodimma vehemently denied any involvement in the attack on the labor leader. In addition to calling for the police commissioner’s replacement, the organized labor unions have also demanded the arrest and prosecution of some of the governor’s aides. They have threatened to initiate a nationwide industrial action if their demands are not met.
In response to these developments, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, redeployed Mohammed Barde for “neutrality’s sake,” in preparation for the upcoming November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State. The organized labor unions are now in the process of mobilizing their members and allies across the country, preparing for the forthcoming nationwide strike. The strike is anticipated to have a significant impact on various sectors in Nigeria and is emblematic of the labor unions’ determination to seek justice for their leader and address the issues at hand.
