The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, announced on Wednesday that an investigation has been launched into the assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.
The incident occurred in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on November 1, 2023, prompting nationwide strikes by labor seeking justice.
Ribadu revealed that suspects connected to the assault have been apprehended. The assault on Ajaero transpired as he was about to lead a protest against alleged anti-labor practices by Governor Hope Uzodimma-led administration.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier redeployed the then Commissioner of Police in the state, Mohammed Barde, and initiated an investigation into the assault ahead of the November 11, 2023, governorship poll in Imo State.
However, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, expressed a lack of confidence in the IGP’s probe, urging the NSA to take charge of the investigation.
Responding to Osifo’s call, the NSA, in a statement signed by the Head of Strategic Communication in the NSA Office, Zakari Mijinyawa, conveyed regret for the incident and condemned it as a violation of the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
The NSA assured that relevant authorities have been directed to conduct a thorough investigation, with some arrests already made.
The outcome of the investigation will be made public upon its conclusion. Ribadu, on behalf of the Federal Government, appealed to labor leadership to call off the ongoing strike and allow the ongoing dialogue process to be exhausted.