November 03, (THEWILL) – A Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Comrade Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has condemned in strong terms, the attack on the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero and other peaceful protesters in Imo state, on Wednesday, saying those who carried out the attack acted like baboons.
THEWILL recalls that one person was feared killed and many others injured on Wednesday, as the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was abducted by security agents at an Organised Labour protest in Owerri, Imo state capital.
This was as thugs descended on Labour leaders and other protesters, smashing vehicles, inflicting injuries and dispossessing handsets, money, ATM cards, among other valuables from labour leaders and others, who had gathered at the NLC state secretariat to begin the scheduled protest over pending labour issues.
The NLC President, other national leaders of NLC and their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) counterpart, were at the state secretariat in Owerri to begin the planned protest ahead of strike scheduled for Thursday, over backlog of unpaid salaries and allowances among others perceived sins of Imo state government against workers in the state.
In his reaction on Friday, Ajadi in a statement issued and made available to journalists, said peaceful protest is allowed under Democratic rule and wonder why political thugs, allegedly loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), descended on peaceful protesters.
According to him, “It is sad that peaceful protesters including the NLC leaders were attacked in Imo State. It is the highest display of barbaric attitude and this deserves condemnation from all well meaning Nigerians.
“Peaceful protests is normal and allowed in a democratic atmosphere. It is not an unusual thing for workers to demonstrate and protests against what they think infringe on their rights. What took place in Imo state last Wednesday, where peaceful protesters were brutally attacked is the worst that can happen under a civilised administration.
“Those political thugs who descended on the peaceful workers have destroyed their future and that of their children.”
Ajadi called on both the Federal and Imo state governments to compensate the family of those who lost their person and those who sustained injuries in the attack.
He also demanded that the security agencies should fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly acts and let them face the full wrath of law.
Ajadi sent his condolences to the family of one person said to have lost his life in the attack and wished those who sustained injuries quick recovery.
About the Author
AYO ESAN, has been actively reporting and analyzing political events for different newspapers for over 18 years. He has also successfully covered national and state elections in Nigeria since the inception of this democracy in 1999.
