Following an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has declared a total nationwide strike, set to commence on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
The two major labor unions have initiated nationwide mobilization efforts with immediate effect.
This decision comes in the wake of the assault on NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State last week.
The Organized Labour expressed widespread outrage and accused the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, of being complicit in the recent attack on Ajaero in Owerri, the state capital.
Last Friday, the Organized Labour issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the replacement of the police commissioner.
They also placed blame on Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is seeking re-election, for the attack on Ajaero, although the governor denied any involvement in the assault on the labor leader.
Additionally, the Organized Labour called for the arrest and prosecution of some of the governor’s aides and threatened to initiate a nationwide industrial action if their demands were not met.
In response to the situation, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, redeployed Barde on Sunday for “neutrality’s sake” ahead of the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Imo State.