The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has condemned the recent brutalization of the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero by suspected police operatives in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
In a statement signed by the ASUP National President, Anderson Ezeibe, the union said it would await directives from the NLC on the steps to take.
The statement partly read, “Our union has been closely monitoring reports from Imo State as it affects the planned protest by the leaderships of the NLC and TUC over the conditions of Imo workers in Imo State.
“It is shocking to read reports of attacks and brutalisation of unarmed workers and the leadership of the NLC to the extent of causing bodily harm to our protesting comrades who were only expressing their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of association and expression.”
While demanding “the swift intervention of the President of the country” in the matter, ASUP stated that it was “awaiting further directives from the organs of the NLC on this matter.”
Meanwhile, due to the critical condition of the NLC President whose right eye medical practitioners are currently battling to save, Ajaero, is to be flown abroad for medical treatment.
According to a statement by the NLC Publicity Secretary, Benson Upah, Comrade Ajaero could not be treated at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, because of the nature of the injuries he sustained during the scuffle.
READ: Police arrests NLC President, Joe Ajaero amidst protest in Imo
