By Linus Aleke, Abuja
A coalition of pro-democracy groups in the Diaspora and Nigeria,
under the aegis of National Rescue Congress, has condemned in strongest terms, the recent brutalization of workers, particularly the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, Imo State, by security agencies affiliated with the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma.
The group in a statement, jointly signed by its team lead, Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq and Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji, described the actions of the security agencies as a barbaric display of power.
The statement noted that eyewitnesses report that Comrade Ajaero was brutally assaulted by thugs mobilized by the state government and subsequently taken away by the police to an undisclosed location.
The group added that this incident, occurring amidst a legitimate protest in Owerri, is not just a violation of democratic principles but an alarming indication that leaders appointed through controversial judicial pronouncements might exhibit tyrannical tendencies.
To this end, the group urged Nigerians to be prepared for decisive actions to fundamentally transform our interpersonal and intergovernmental relationships towards positive development in Nigeria.
“The incident in Imo State reflects a larger crisis in our democratic process, where those in leadership, often not directly elected by the populace, fail to uphold the dignity and rights of the citizens they are meant to serve.
The brutalization of Comrade Ajaero, a leading figure in Nigeria’s labour movement, signifies a dangerous escalation in the suppression of civil liberties. This act of violence, coupled with the continued detention of Comrade Ajaero, is an affront to the principles of freedom of expression and assembly, pillars of any democratic society,” the group said.
The National Rescue Congress, also demanded, “Adequate Medical Provision for Comrade Ajaero: We demand that Comrade Joe Ajaero, who has been released, be flown to a well-equipped hospital abroad that can provide the urgent medical care for injuries sustained and determine the potential consequences of his health resulting from this attack. We call for an independent investigation into the actions of the Imo State Government and the complicit security agencies, leading to appropriate sanctions. We demand a renewed commitment by all levels of government to protect the rights of citizens to protest and express dissent peacefully”.
The National Rescue Congress remains committed to the struggle for a just and democratic Nigeria where the voices of all citizens are respected.
Noting that it sand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the group said, “Let this incident catalyze renewed vigilance and action against any form of governmental overreach and suppression of democratic rights”.
The National Rescue Congress, concluded that injustice to one is an injustice to all.
