The Owerri Peoples Front, OPF, has condemned the attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Jeo Ajaero.
In a statement signed by convener of the group, Hon Ebere Chukwuemeka, and made available to newsmen in Owerri, he described the assault on Ajaero, as an act of barbarism.
The Statement reads:
Attack on NLC President, Comrade Jeo Ajaero, Act of Barbarism, Exhibition of Gangsterism in Imo by Imo State Government
Owerri Peoples Front, OPF, has taken note of the attack and assault on one of the illustrious sons of Owerri Zone and President, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Jeo Ajaero.
Ajaero was in the state to lead workers on a peaceful protest over the Imo State government’s non-payment of workers salaries and pensions of some pensioners, before he was brutally attacked by hoodlums working for the Imo State government of Senator Hope Uzodimma.
OPF condemns the attack on the labour leader, which is an act of irresponsibility and an exhibition of gangsterism on the part of the state government.
The attack on the Labour Leader is unwarranted, unnecessary, and uncalled for since he was on the verge of leading a peaceful protest, which is within the ambit and confines of the law.
OPF calls for a thorough investigation of the matter by security agencies, and the culprits and perpetrators of the assault on Comrade Ajaero should be brought to justice.
The attack on Comrade Ajaero is also a clear expression of our concern that Imo State has become a lawless place where those who hold opposing views, not in line with those of the state government, are brutalized and harassed.
This implies that our dear state is gradually becoming a place where an emperor rules, with zero tolerance for opposing views.
While we face a high level of insecurity in the state, it will be worrisome if gangsterism is now introduced in the state.
OPF will not henceforth accept any of such assaults or attacks on any bona- fide son or daughter of Owerri Zone.
We will resist it subsequently.
Ebere Chukwuemeka, Convener, OPF,
Friday, November 3, 2023
