Joe Ajaero, NLC President, Suspends Strike Action In Imo State; Gives Two Weeks Grace

By Charles Igbo

The President of tye Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, has, on behalf of the Union, suspended the five-day old strike action declared in Imo . The strike paralyzed the State, almost, and disrupted socio-economic activities.

It, also, led to the sack of the State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Chief Ford Ozumba, by the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

In a statement dated March 13, 2023, personally signed by Ajaero, the Union said it was suspending the strike basically for a couple of reasons.

Such reasons include interventions from highly placed Nigerians within and outside Imo State, creation of an enabling environment for the conduct in the State, of the March 18, 2023 State House of Assembly Elections so Imolites can choose their representatives, and to give the State Government the room to “right its wrong.”

However, the suspension is only for two weeks, during which period an agreement would have been reached, or risk a resumption of the strike action.

The statement by Ajaero reads:

“SUSPENSION OF STRIKE ACTION IN IMO STATE

“Due to persistent interventions by highly respected and well-meaning  Nigerians from within and outside Imo State; assurances by agents of the State Government to make amends, and especially, in order to have an enabling environment for citizens of the State to perform their civic duty on Saturday, March 18, by way of voting for State House of Assembly Candidates of their choice, on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress, I hereby announce the suspension of the ongoing strike action in Imo State.

“The suspension is expected to last two weeks during which the State Government or its agencies are expected to meet up with the demands of the Workers in the State.

“In the event of this window of opportunity not being utilised, the Nigeria Labour Congress will be left with no choice than to resume the suspended action with more ferocity.”

The NLC said it declared the strike action for, among other pending issues, the alleged interference of the State Government in its Congress in the State, last week, during which it was billed to elect members of the State Executives. It alleged that the State Government, in a bid to impose its preferred State Chairman, sent Security Agents who invaded the venue of the Congress, injured a number of Workers, and disrupted its activities.

The State Government, strongly, deny the allegation.