Suspects Linked To Attack On Ajaero Arrested – NSA Nuhu Ribadu

In a significant development, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, says some suspects linked to the attack on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero have been arrested.

The attack, which occurred in Imo State, has raised concerns nationwide and prompted calls for justice. In the statement released by Zakari Mijinyawa, the head of strategic communications in the office of the NSA, Ribadu called upon the labour unions to consider ending their nationwide strike.

The strike, initiated by the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on November 14, was a response to the alleged brutality faced by Ajaero in Imo State.

Festus Osifo, the President of TUC, stated earlier in the week that the strike would continue until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibilities.” The strike has had far-reaching consequences, affecting various sectors of the economy and daily life for ordinary Nigerians.

The NSA expressed deep concern over the ongoing strike, highlighting its potential impact on the livelihoods of Nigerian citizens, the nation’s economic security, and other strategic national interests. Ribadu emphasized the importance of addressing the issue swiftly and appropriately.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is concerned by the declaration of a nationwide strike by the leadership of the Organised Labour led by the NLC and TUC,” the statement read.

“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 upon learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajero 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.

“As a fallout of the incident relevant authorities were directed to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances sorrounding 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.”