In a decisive move, organized labor in Nigeria has declared a nationwide strike scheduled for Wednesday, 8th November 2023, in response to the recent assault on the national president of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, which took place in Imo State on Monday. The announcement came on Friday, as the labor movement expressed its deep concern and outrage over the violent incident.
Deputy president of the NLC, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, and the deputy president of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) held a joint press briefing with journalists in Abuja. During the briefing, they unveiled a set of six-point demands directed at the federal government in an attempt to avert the looming nationwide strike.
One of the prominent demands put forward by the labor leaders is the immediate removal of the Imo State commissioner of police, as well as the area commander, and other state government officials who have been implicated in the alleged brutalization of Comrade Joe Ajaero and other workers who were subjected to humiliation during the assault.
As tensions escalate in the aftermath of the assault, the labor movement’s decision to call for a nationwide strike underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation. It remains to be seen how the federal government will respond to these demands as the nation braces for a potential widespread protest.
