Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has tendered an apology for the assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, in Imo State last week.
RovingNaija had reported that suspected political thugs had brutally attacked the NLC president last Wednesday when workers were protesting unpaid salaries.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had declared a strike in Imo State, resulting in the suspension of all flights to the state as preparations for the gubernatorial election coming up on Saturday were underway.
Speaking on the matter when he appeared on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Uzodimma, who had initially criticized the NLC president for entering the state, expressed regret and apologised for the maltreatment.
“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 Labour 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.
“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.”
The NLC had directed aviation unions to blacklist the Imo airport and had also declared Uzodimma persona non-grata.
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