Aviation unions in Nigeria have withdrawn all services from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State in protest against the reported attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero.
In a statement jointly signed by the executives of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the unions directed all aviation workers both in the public and private sectors to withdraw services for all flights to and from Owerri airport effective immediately.
The unions took the action in compliance with a directive from the joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) over the alleged brutalization of Ajaero by persons said to be acting on the orders of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma last week.
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Ajaero was beaten
Ikejabird had reported that Ajaero was beaten and brutalized while operatives of the Nigerian Police Force allegedly looked on. This has raised concerns about the state of security and workers’ rights in Imo State.
In addition to the withdrawal of services, the unions also declared Governor Uzodimma a persona non grata at all airports nationwide until he addresses the matter.
The Governor will be blacklisted internationally
They further threatened to blacklist the governor internationally through their international affiliations.
All aviation workers stationed at the Owerri airport have also been directed to stay away from work with immediate effect.
Crisis meetings have been scheduled for union leaders in Lagos and Abuja today to discuss further actions. Airports, airlines and travelers have been notified of the situation.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi condemns arrest, alleged torture of NLC president Joe Ajaero
APGA candidate speaks out about attack on president of NLC Joe Ajaero
Meanwhile, Tony Ejiogu, who’s running for governor in the 2023 Imo state election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), expressed deep sadness over a violent incident in Owerri.
The incident involved an attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero had come to Owerri to organize a peaceful protest rally for Imo workers, but things took a violent turn. Allegedly, some troublemakers disrupted the protest, leading to an assault on protesters and labour leaders.
