National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on Wednesday, apologised to the organized labour regarding the attack on Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri on November 1.
Ajaero, leading a protest in Owerri, was subjected to severe assault and detention, prompting the labour to give the government an ultimatum, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
The labour threatened a nationwide strike if these demands were not met.
Despite the Federal Government’s court attempt to restrain the labour, the strike commenced on Monday, causing nationwide disruptions.
In an official statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser, signed by Zakari U Mijinyawa, Ribadu expressed regret over the incident and condemned it entirely.
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He assured that those responsible for attacking Ajaero had been arrested, and investigations were underway.
The statement read, “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is concerned by the declaration of a nationwide strike by the leadership of the Organised Labour led by the NLC and TUC.
“The NSA is particularly worried about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests.
“As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened on learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.
“The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
“The Federal Government will never condone such an act.
“As a fallout of the incident relevant authorities were directed to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances sorrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits. Available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.
“The Federal Government, through the Office of the NSA, therefore, appeals to the labour leadership to call off the current strike action and allow the dialogue process underway to be exhausted.”
