The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has apologised to the organised labour over last week’s brutalisation of President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.
Uzodimma offered the apology during an appearance on popularChannels TV programme, Politics Today.
Recall that Ajaero was viciously attacked on Wednesday, November 1, by suspected hoodlums allegedly backed by the Imo state government when he led the union’s leadership to protest poor treatment of workers in the state.
Ajaero’s brutalisation caused the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to declare a total strike in Imo.
The organised labour’s action led to the grounding of flight operations to the state ahead of the November 11 gubernatorial election in the state.
Organised labour had declared the Imo governor personal non-grata, while directing aviation unions to boycott the state’s airport.
Uzodimma, who initially chided Ajaero for his antics in the state, backed down and offered an apology during his appearance on the television programme on Thursday evening.
“I was unaware of the presence of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in my state. My initial response was to condemn the action. I have never been at odds with the labour union.
“The incident has nothing to do with my government. Whether Joe Ajaero is the president of NLC or not, I would not wish this to happen to any individual. I must apologise because it occurred in my state.
“As a Christian who believes in God, I cannot support violence and would never advocate for it. Whatever transpired, leading to the assault on Joe Ajaero in my state, of which I was unaware, is regrettable, and both my government and I express remorse.
“Moving forward, I also hope he approaches matters in a more civilised manner. That was the essence of my point. For a native of my state to take to the streets without engaging me, without presenting the allegations to me,” the Imo governor said.
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