Electricity workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees, have issued a notice of withdrawal of services nationwide.
In a circular seen by this newspaper and signed by Dominic Igwebuike, Secretary General of NUEE, the electricity workers said, “In response to the atrocious and inhumane behaviors meted out to our fellow comrades and the abduction of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress by the Imo State Governor and policemen of the Imo State Command, today, Wednesday, November 1, 2023, we will embark on a total shutdown of the nation if the President of the NLC is not released and an adequate explanation is given by the Nigerian government.”
‘To this effect, all national, state, and chapter executives are requested to start the mobilization of our members in total compliance with this directive.
“Please note that withdrawal of services nationwide commences at 0:00 hours on Thursday, November 2, 2023,
“We cannot be at work while the President of the NLC is incarcerated, and we cannot be at peace while the rights of workers in Imo State are being trampled on with utmost impunity” the notice stated.
The NLC President was in Owerri to lead workers protests over the non-payment of salaries of workers and pensioners in Imo State for 48 months.
While the NLC claimed that Mr.Ajaero was abducted by the police aided by agents of the Imo State government, the Imo State Police Command, Owerri, said the Labour leader was saved from a mob attack and is in protective custody.
Reports later emerged that Ajaero was taken to the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, for medical attention.
Pictures that surfaced online showed that one of the eyes of Mr. Ajaero was swollen, giving credence to NLC’s claims that he was assaulted.