By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has apologized for the assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, describing it as regrettable.
Recall that Ajaero was attacked and brutalised by men suspected to be loyal to Uzodinma in connivance with operatives of the state Police command.
The Imo Police command had debunked the allegation, saying that it took Ajaero into protective custody after receiving intel of planned mob action against the union’s leader.
The governor, who spoke during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, said the attack on Ajaero is regrettable to him and the government, insisting he would never support violence.
He also apologised to the NLC president, urging him to act more civilly.
He said, “I was unaware that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president was in my state. What I did was to condemn the action. I have never disagreed with the labour union.”
“It 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 human being. Of course, I have to apologise because it happened in my state.”
“I am a Christian and believe in God. I can’t support violence. I can never support violence. Whatever happened to Joe Ajaero in my state which I am not aware of that led to him being assaulted must be regretted by both my government and myself.”
“Going forward I will also like him to do things in a more civilised manner. That was the point I was making. A man who is from my state to go on the street without clearing me out; without bringing all the allegations before me,” Uzodinma added.
