A series of claims and counterclaims have emerged following the assault on the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajero, in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. The incident has led to a war of words between the Imo State Government and the NLC leadership, leaving the public bewildered about the actual events.
The NLC, in a press statement, accused officials of the Nigeria Police, Imo State Command, and aides of Governor Hope Uzodimma of orchestrating the attack on Ajero.
The NLC alleged that Chief Chinaza Nwaneri, Special Adviser on Special Duties to Governor Uzodimma, manhandled Ajero for advocating a strike against the state government over non-compliance regarding workers’ wages.
In response, the Imo State Government, through the commissioner of information, Hon Declean Mbadiwe Emulumba, denied the NLC’s claims, stating that no government official was involved in the assault on Ajero. Emulumba emphasized that the Uzodimma administration prioritizes the protection of lives and properties in the state and has not engaged in any illegal activities against organized labour.
A source close to the Imo State Government accused Ajero of attempting to destabilize the state, particularly in light of the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in November 2023. The source alleged that Ajero was collaborating with the opposition to undermine the Uzodimma-led government.
In response to these allegations, Ajero asserted that his attackers were agents of the Imo State Government who wanted to prevent him from carrying out his constitutional duties as the NLC boss.
The media unit of Uzodimma countered, stating that Ajero had become the spokesperson for the opposition in Imo and accused him of compiling a fake list of Imo workers for blackmailing the governor.
Professional bodies in Imo, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), condemned the attack on Ajero. The NUJ, Imo State Council, distanced itself from what it termed “sponsored media attacks” against Ajero, emphasizing the importance of journalists serving the public without fear, prejudice, or emotional imbalance.
The conflicting narratives have created a complex situation, with various stakeholders expressing their perspectives on the incident. The assault on Ajero has not only raised tensions between the NLC and the Imo State Government but also highlighted the broader challenges facing organized labour and government relations in the state.
