The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has expressed the federal government’s regret over the incident leading to the assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, condemning it unequivocally.
Ribadu, revealing that the attack on Ajaero violated the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression, informed that arrests have been made of those responsible, following directives to relevant agencies.
In a statement by Mr. Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of the Strategic Communication Office of the National Security Adviser, on Wednesday, Ribadu appealed to the labor leadership to halt the ongoing strike action and allow the ongoing dialogue process to reach its conclusion.
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 Organized 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 surrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits.
“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.”
