The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, was apprehended by the police during an ongoing protest in Imo state. The situation escalated as troublemakers attacked the protesters, damaging vehicles and causing injuries to labor members. As heavily armed security personnel took Comrade Joe Ajaero away, his current whereabouts remain unknown.
This incident comes in response to the NLC’s planned protests in Imo State, commencing on November 1, 2023. These protests are in protest of the alleged violation and abuse of workers’ rights and privileges by the State government. Comrade Ajaero expressed deep concern about the persistent violations and the state government’s failure to honor agreements, leaving the NLC with no choice but to engage in mass protests and industrial actions.
One of the key issues is the non-payment of salary arrears, with some workers enduring up to 20 months without payment due to the unjust classification of ‘ghost workers.’ Approximately 11,000 dedicated individuals have been wrongfully labeled as ghost workers, and their salaries have been diverted, despite their diligent service.
