The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has initiated an investigation into the alleged assault on Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the development in Owerri, Imo State.
In response to the incident, the IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to take charge of the matter. The primary objective is to ascertain the true facts surrounding the alleged assault on the NLC President.
Adejobi emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust, acknowledging the existence of conflicting accounts of the incident. The IGP assures the public, especially the leadership of organized labor, that a thorough and unbiased inquiry will be conducted to provide clarifications.
The Force Spokesman urged organized labor and the public to remain calm, noting that the IGP has personally intervened to address the issues surrounding the assault. He stated, “Investigation has commenced, and the Nigeria Police Force guarantees that it will be followed to a conclusive end, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”
The alleged assault occurred on Wednesday, November 1, when suspected thugs, reportedly aided by security operatives in Imo, attacked Comrade Joe Ajaero and other national leaders of the NLC and TUC during a protest at the state Secretariat in Owerri. The demonstration aimed to address grievances such as unpaid salaries, allowances, pensions, gratuities, and non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act.
