Uzodinma had earlier condemned the labour leader after leading a protest against his government
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has finally apologised to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, over the way he was manhandled in his state last week.
TheNiche had earlier reported that suspected political thugs brutally attacked the NLC president last Wednesday while leading a protest against the Uzodinma-led government.
After the attack on Ajaero, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared a strike, which resulted in the suspension of all flights to Imo state as preparations for the off-season gubernatorial election coming up on Saturday were underway.
Addressing the brutalization of the NLC President, on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Uzodimma, who had initially criticised Ajaero, apologised and expressed regret for the way he was handled.
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He said, “I was unaware of the presence of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in my state. My initial response was to condemn the action. I have never been at odds with the labor union.
“The incident has nothing to do with my government. Whether Joe Ajaero is the president of NLC or not, I would not wish this to happen to any individual. I must apologize because it occurred in my state.
“As a Christian who believes in God, I cannot support violence and would never advocate for it. Whatever transpired, leading to the assault on Joe Ajaero in my state, of which I was unaware, is regrettable, and both my government and I express remorse”
The governor, however, advised the labour leader to approach matters in a more civilised way in the future by dialoguing with him before taking matters into his own hands.
“Moving forward, I also hope he approaches matters in a more civilized manner. That was the essence of my point. For a native of my state to take to the streets without engaging me, without presenting the allegations to me.” Uzodinma added.
