By Hosea Parah, Abuja

The Government of Imo state in Nigeria has been accused of using violence and intimidation against trade unions and their leaders. Earlier Wednesday, Nigerian workers gathered to protest the ongoing abuse and violation of workers’ rights in the state. However, the government responded by unleashing violent attacks on the workers.

In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja General Secretary (NLC) and Comrade Nuhu Toro Secretary General (TUC) on Wednesday stressed that, in the morning, the police attempted to disperse the workers who had gathered at the state NLC secretariat, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Shortly after, thugs stationed near the secretariat in several vehicles began attacking the workers. They vandalized cars, inflicted injuries using machetes, and even stabbed some of the workers. The thugs also stole personal belongings such as mobile phones, laptops, and money.

According to the statement, the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, when arrived at the scene of protest with a few workers to assess the situation and provide leadership for the ongoing trade union action. However, they were confronted by a large number of police officers from the Imo state Police Command, accompanied by the thugs. The police and thugs physically assaulted the NLC President, causing severe injuries, and forcibly dragged him into a waiting van. His current whereabouts remain unknown.

“This incident is a clear demonstration of the violence and impunity that has become rampant in Imo State. The abduction of the NLC President in broad daylight by the police and state governor highlights the extent to which workers and trade union leaders are being mistreated in the state”.

The statement stated that, such acts of violence against innocent citizens, particularly trade union leaders, are completely unacceptable. The use of violence as a means of suppressing workers’ rights has unfortunately become normalized in Imo State. If this trend continues unchecked, it could have serious consequences for the nation as a whole.

The workers have been demanding that the governor honor the agreements signed with the unions and respect workers’ rights. Denying workers their wages creates instability and strips them of their dignity. The governor, however, has chosen to respond with intimidation and violence instead of addressing these legitimate concerns.

The workers are now calling on Nigerian workers across the country to be prepared for immediate nationwide action if the NLC President is not released by the end of the day. They cannot continue working while their leader remains unjustly detained, and they refuse to tolerate the government’s disrespect and mistreatment of workers.

The Nigerian Government is being put on notice that the immediate release of the NLC President is demanded. His injuries must be treated urgently, and his freedom to lead peaceful protests must be guaranteed. The workers will convene meetings to determine further actions if their demands are not met. The governor of Imo State and the police commissioner will be held accountable for any consequences that may arise from their actions.

The statement further said, Nigeria is a country governed by laws, and it is essential for leaders to operate within the framework of those laws. The Inspector General of Police, who is present in the state, must ensure that his officers act responsibly to prevent loss of life, damage to property, and further harm to innocent workers in Imo State. The workers of Imo State deserve to be free, and collective efforts are needed to make this a reality.

NLC therefore called on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces must intervene and call Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State, to order. His actions have turned the state into a breeding ground for violence and criminal activities. The trade unions will persist in their engagement until the government addresses the workers’ demands. The governor should not underestimate the determination of the workers, as today’s violence has only strengthened their resolve to fight for the rights of workers in Imo State.