NLC President, Joe Ajaero captured in Imo State

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was apprehended by operatives of the Imo State Police Command during an ongoing protest in Imo state.

The arrest occurred amidst a chaotic scene where hoodlums reportedly targeted protesters, damaging vehicles, and causing injuries to labor union members.

At the time of this report, the whereabouts of Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, remained unknown, as heavily armed security personnel spirited him away from the tumultuous scene.

Joe Ajaero had previously issued a directive to all members of the Union and affiliate Unions to shut down all sectors in Imo State, including air, land, and sea transportation, as the union initiated its protest.

The decision to commence the protest was announced by Ajaero following a meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) held late on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in Owerri, the state capital.

During the meeting, Ajaero accused Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, of neglecting and violating the welfare of workers in the state.

Ajaero alleged that the governor’s hostile actions towards the state’s workers had resulted in several deaths due to the non-payment of salaries.

He further lamented the non-compliance with the national minimum wage by the state government and accused Governor Uzodimma of failing to implement previous agreements, particularly the accord reached on January 9, 2021.