SSASCFA Condemns Attack On NLC President, Demands Justice

On Nov 3, 2023

The Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (SSASCFA) has condemned the unwarranted attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the alleged sponsored thugs associated with the Imo State Government.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), affiliate group reiterated its unwavering solidarity with Comrade Joe Ajaero and the entire NLC, even as it condemned the act of violence in strongest possible terms.

Recall that Comrade Joe Ajaero and some members of the NLC, were reportedly subjected to brutal assault and humiliation on Wednesday, 1st of November, 2023 in Owerri, the Imo State capital by assailants, while exercising his fundamental right to peaceful protest.

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According to a statement jointly signed by the President General SSASCFA, Comrade Harrison Ugochukwu Asonye and Secretary General, Comrade Wilfred Chukwuma Uwandu respectively on Friday 3rd November 2023, such actions are not only an affront to the principles of democracy but also a violation of human rights.

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The SSASCFA further demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident to identify those responsible for orchestrating and carrying out this assault calling on the Imo State Government to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The statement affirmed that:”The Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (SSASCFA), a proud affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), strongly condemns the reprehensible and unwarranted attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the alleged sponsored thugs associated with the Imo State Government. We are equally appalled by the actions of the Imo State Commissioner of Police in this regard.

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“Comrade Joe Ajaero, a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and social justice, was reportedly subjected to a brutal assault and humiliation on Wednesday, 1st of November, 2023 in Owerri, the Imo State capital by these assailants, while exercising his fundamental right to peaceful protest. Such actions are not only an affront to the principles of democracy but also a violation of human rights.

“It is the duty of the government and law enforcement agencies to protect the rights and safety of all citizens, especially those who are peacefully advocating for the welfare of workers and the betterment of society as a whole.

“We insist that the actions of the Imo State Government and the Imo State Commissioner of Police should be held to the highest standards of accountability, and any officials found complicit in this disgraceful act should be held responsible for their actions.

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“The SSASCFA and the broader labour community in Nigeria reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the protection of the rights of workers. Acts of violence and intimidation will not deter us from our mission to create a just and equitable society.

“We call on civil society organizations, the international community, and all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning this act of brutality and demanding justice for Comrade Joe Ajaero,” the stated reaffirmed.

By Roland Ekama