President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, is to be flown abroad for medical treatment for the injuries inflicted on him during a protest in Owerri, Imo State.
NLC Publicity Secretary, Benson Upah confirmed the development to the Nation newspaper.
Upah said Ajaero could not be treated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, because of the nature of the injuries inflicted on him during the scuffle.
NLC president was in Owerri on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 to mobilize Imo workers for a protest rally in the state over an alleged violation and abuse of the rights and privileges of workers by the state government.
However, following the large turnout of protesters, Ajaero was whisked away by alleged operatives of the Nigeria Police.
He was later released with injuries on his face, revealing that he was brutalised and manhandled by those who whisked him way but claimed he was in their protective custody.
Labour official said the attack was a response to a memorandum signed by the NLC, TUC, and the Imo State government on May 7.
“The reason why we went to Imo is that the state government under the leadership of Senator Hope Uzozinma refused to honour a memorandum we signed.
“The Governor refused to honour gentleman understanding to set up a committee,” they said.
But, in its reaction, the Imo State Police Command had denied arresting Ajaero.
The police explained that the NLC president was initially taken into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to save him from lynching and he was subsequently given treatment for his injuries at the Police Medical Services, Owerri