Ajaero’s attackers arrested as NSA urges NLC, TUC to end strike

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to call off their ongoing strike.

The ONSA noted that it has commenced investigation into the attack on the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Head, Strategic Communication, Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, on Wednesday.

Mijinyawa said some suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that the ONSA is concerned about the decision of the organised labour to go on strike with massive implications on the citizenry.

He stressed that the NSA condemned the attack on the NLC President which ihe described as a violation of the rule of law and the principle of freedom of association.

Mijinyawa added that the Federal Government, through the ONSA, called on the NLC and TUC to call off the strike for dialogue to commence.

He stated: “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is concerned by the declaration of a nationwide strike by the leadership of the Organised Labour led by the NLC and TUC.

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“The NSA is particularly worried about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests.

“As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened on learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.

“The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

“The Federal Government will never condone such an act.

“As a fallout of the incident relevant authorities were directed to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances sorrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits. Available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.

“The Federal Government, through the Office of the NSA, therefore appeals to the labour leadership to call off the current strike action and allow the dialogue process underway to be exhausted.”

The Star