National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, expressed a formal apology to the organized labour on Wednesday for the assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, Imo State capital, on November 1.
Ajaero, leading a protest in Owerri, was subjected to severe beatings and hours of detention. In response, the labour issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack on Ajaero, with a threat of a nationwide strike if their demands were not met.
Despite the Federal Government’s legal efforts to restrain the labour, the strike commenced on Monday, causing widespread disruptions across the nation.
In a statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser signed by Zakari U Mijinyawa, Ribadu urged the labour movement to reconsider its decision on the ongoing strike. He assured that the attackers of Ajaero had been apprehended, and investigations were underway.
Ribadu emphasized the government’s regret for the incident, condemning it as a violation of the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
“The Federal Government will never condone such an act,” the statement affirmed.
Concerned about the potential impact of the strike on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its implications for economic security and national interests, Ribadu appealed to the labour leadership to call off the current strike and allow the ongoing dialogue process to reach its conclusion.