The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was attacked and detained for hours during a protest in Owerri, Imo State capital, on November 1. As a result, the labour gave the government an ultimatum to meet some demands, including arresting those behind the attack, and started a nationwide strike when the demands were unmet. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed that those responsible for the attack have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
On Wednesday, Ribadu issued a statement apologizing to the organized labour over the attack and urged the movement to rescind its decision on the ongoing strike. He condemned the attack, noting that it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Tinubu and his administration.
Ribadu expressed concern over the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests. He appealed to the labour leadership to call off the current strike action and allow the dialogue process underway to be exhausted.
The Federal Government had gone to court to restrain labour, but the strike commenced on Monday, paralyzing national activities. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is particularly worried about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests. The ONSA immediately intervened on learning about the travails of Ajaero and regrets the incident. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.