TUC President Osifo tackles Gov Uzodimma – Ajaero was not in Imo for politics
Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), stated that Joe Ajaero, a colleague of his in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was not in Imo State for political reasons on November 1, 2023, but rather to advocate for the rights of dissatisfied workers in the state.
Yesterday, as a guest on Channels Television, Osifo stated that the labour problems in Imo predated the NLC commanded by Ajaero, contrary to what Governor Hope Uzodimma claimed.
“The issue in Imo State began in 2020, the very moment Hope Uzodimma assumed leadership.” “Joe Ajaero was not the President of NLC in 2021,” stated the head of the TUC.
Last Wednesday, Ajaero was assaulted in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, shortly before a state-wide demonstration intended to pressure the state government to heed the demands of the state’s employees.
In retaliation for the assault on Ajaero, the NLC and the TUC have since mandated the cessation of vital services in Imo and issued a proclamation of a nationwide strike commencing on November 14, 2023.
During his live appearance on the programme, Osifo levied allegations against the administration commanded by Uzodimma, alleging that it oversaw the assault on Ajaero and tainted the incident with a political undertone.
He stated that in 2021, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (TUC) and the NLC, led by the then-President of the TUC and the current governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, travelled to Imo to negotiate with the state government over the labour issues.
“Therefore, this matter existed prior to Joe Ajaero’s presidency; Joe Ajaero assumed the role of NLC president in February 2023, but this specific issue has been prevalent since 2021,” Osifo clarified.
As per his assertion, Uzodimma entered into a labour agreement in May 2023 but has yet to execute any provisions outlined in the agreement.
“There was no necessity for Joe Ajaero to be in Imo for political reasons; there were other concerns that required his attention, such as employees who had been terminated, unpaid, and owed several months’ salaries.”
A few days before the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state where the incumbent governor (Uzodimma) is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking re-election, Labour engages in a dispute over Imo.
