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WATCH VIDEO: NLC President, Joe Ajaero Exposes Those Who Beat Him Up In Imo State
The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has narrated how he was arrested and physically assaulted when he was in Imo state for a protest last week.
Addressing a World Press Conference in Abuja on Friday, Ajaero said security operatives handed him over to thugs who tied his hands and dragged him on the floor.
Ajaero who wore a dark shade to cover his swollen eyes, said he cannot explain the kind of beating he received from the thugs.
“I can’t explain the beating I received. They tied my hands and dragged me on the floor like a common criminal. I am not even a card-carrying member of any political party as alleged,” Ajaero stated.
He also revealed that the NLC in writing, informed all security agencies of their proposed protest over non-payment of workers salaries in the state.
Recall that the Imo state Police command had denied arresting Ajaero, noting that they took him into protective custody to save him from thugs.
“It is pertinent to state that the NLC President was in Owerri as part of arrangements of the Congress to mobilise workers for a mega protest rally in the state. In the course of their planning, it was reported that suggestions arose for the lockdown of some essential facilities particularly the airport which led to some workers and other individuals resisting the picketing process leading to scuffles heated arguments, and an eventual attack on the person of the president by a mob.
“Upon receiving this report, the Imo Police Command swiftly deployed police operatives to the scene where the Officer in Charge exercised his operational discretion by taking the NLC President into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to ensure the protection of his life and that he was not lynched in the scuffle that followed.
“The Commissioner of Police thereafter directed that he should be taken to the Police Medical Services, Owerri, where he would be accorded medical attention as a result of the attack. He has therefore been accorded adequate security cover to proceed on his other legitimate engagements for the day” the police statement had read.
