Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has expressed remorse for the assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, during a protest advocating for improved salaries in the state. The incident unfolded after Ajaero’s arrest in Imo.
In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Governor Uzodinma denounced the assault, making it clear that he was unaware of Ajaero’s presence in the state. The governor distanced his government from the incident, asserting that he had no disagreements with the labor union.
“I was not aware that the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was in my state. What I did was to condemn the action. I have never had a disagreement with the labor union,” clarified Governor Uzodinma.
Expressing his Christian beliefs and opposition to violence, he stated his inability to support such actions. Governor Uzodinma issued an apology, acknowledging the regrettable incident in his state and expressing remorse on behalf of both his government and himself.
The governor urged Ajaero to pursue his objectives through more civilized means, underscoring the importance of addressing allegations through proper channels. The assault has triggered consequences, with the NLC instructing aviation unions to blacklist Imo airport and declaring Governor Uzodimma persona non-grata.