By Prince Eze
Following last Wednesday attack on National President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, a pressure group and nongovernmental organization,
Owerri Peoples Front, OPF, has decried the act, describing it as irresponsibility and display of gangsterism by the state government.
In a press statement signed by the Convener, Ebere Chukwuemeka in Owerri on Friday, OPF alleged that Ajaero, who came to Imo to lead workers on a peaceful protest over the state government’s non-payment of workers salaries and pensions, was brutally attacked by hoodlums working for the government of Senator Hope Uzodimma.
The statement read: “The attack on the Labour Leader is unwarranted, unnecessary, and uncalled for since he was on the verge of leading a peaceful protest, which is within the ambit and confines of the law”.
OPF, which decried the attack and assault on Ajaero as one of the illustrious sons of Owerri Zone and President of NLC, tasked security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the culprits and perpetrators of the assault are brought to justice.
According to the group: “The attack on Comrade Ajaero is also a clear expression of our concern that Imo State has become a lawless place where those who hold opposing views, not in line with those of the state government, are brutalized and harassed.
“This implies that our dear state is gradually becoming a place where an emperor rules, with zero tolerance for opposing views.
“While we face a high level of insecurity in the state, it will be worrisome if gangsterism is now introduced in the state.
“OPF will not henceforth accept any of such assaults or attacks on any bona- fide son or daughter of Owerri Zone.
“We will resist it subsequently”.
