In addition, PENGASSAN called the labour leader’s attack an outright violation of her human rights and an attack on the values of democracy, free speech, and association.
The recent attack on Comrade Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has been denounced by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Festus Osifo, the president, and Lumumba Okugbawa, the secretary, signed a statement issued by PENGASSAN characterising the attack on Ajareo as an existential danger to the Nigerian trade union movement.
In addition, PENGASSAN called the labour leader’s attack an outright violation of her human rights and an attack on the values of democracy, free speech, and association.
During a protest by Imo State workers on Wednesday against what they claimed to be a “serial and habitual abuse and violation” of their rights by the state government, Ajaero was taken into custody in Owerri, the state capital.
The NLC claimed that Ajeoro was abused after his detention, despite the police saying that he was placed in custody for his protection.
The governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, charged the leader of the NLC with combining politics with unionism barely a day after his release.
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“Beyond just being an attack on union leaders or any other people standing out for workers’ rights, violence against them also betrays a fundamental lack of understanding of social discourse and activity. According to PENGASSAN, the society as a whole ought to strongly denounce these violent acts that aim to stifle the voices of people who stand up for the weak and marginalised.
“PENGASSAN asks that this despicable attack be thoroughly investigated by the authorities, and that the culprits be held accountable. We demand that law enforcement organisations safeguard all labourers, activists, and union leaders, giving them the security they need to perform their fundamental jobs without worrying about facing backlash.
Additionally, we implore trade unions, the general public, and civil society organisations to condemn this violent attack and show support for NLC and Comrade Joe Ajaero. It is imperative that we oppose as a group any attempts to silence those who struggle for workers’ rights and welfare and to create a more just society.
“Our honourable Association expresses profound concern for Comrade Joe Ajaero’s well-being and speedy recovery, and stands in solidarity with him as our ally in the battle. We will never stop fighting for social justice, worker rights, and against any kind of violence or repression that tries to undo the accomplishments we have already won.
The next few days will be turbulent and stormy, thus all PENGASSAN members are advised to stay on high alert. Since harm to one actually affects everyone, we implore the two labour centres and all trade unions to take extremely strong action in response to this vile conduct.
