- Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, expressed regret over the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero during a protest for improved salaries
- Governor Uzodinma distanced his government, condemned the assault, and urged a civilized approach to address grievances
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, expressed regret over the assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, during a protest for improved salaries in the state. The incident occurred after Ajaero was arrested in Imo.
In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Governor Uzodinma condemned the assault, emphasizing that he was not aware of Ajaero’s presence in the state. The governor distanced his government from the incident, stating that he had no disagreements with the labor union.
“I was not aware that the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was in my state. What I did was to condemn the action. I have never had a disagreement with the labor union,” Governor Uzodinma clarified.
He expressed his Christian beliefs and opposition to violence, asserting that he could not support such actions. Uzodinma extended an apology, acknowledging that the assault occurred in his state and stating that both his government and he regretted the incident.
The governor urged Ajaero to pursue his objectives in a more civilized manner, emphasizing the importance of addressing allegations through proper channels. The assault has sparked repercussions, with the NLC directing aviation unions to blacklist Imo airport and declaring Governor Uzodimma persona non-grata.