The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, announced on Wednesday that several suspects have been apprehended in connection with the recent attack on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leader, Joe Ajero.
Expressing deep concern over the ongoing industrial action initiated by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress, the NSA emphasized that a thorough investigation has been initiated to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The statement was issued by Zakari Mijinyawa, the Head of the Strategic Communication Office of the National Security Adviser.
The statement partly read,
“NSA Urges Labour to Rescind Strike, Condemns Attack on NLC President, says Suspects Arrested Over Attack and Investigations have commenced.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser is concerned by the declaration of a nationwide strike by the leadership of the Organised 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 Joseph Ajaero 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. ”
The NSA assured the public that the findings of the investigation will be transparently communicated, underscoring the commitment to justice in this matter. He took the opportunity to appeal to the unions involved to reconsider their stance on the strike and urged them to call it off in the interest of national stability.
“As a fallout of the incident relevant authorities were directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits. Available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. 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, ” the statement added.
