A pressure group in Imo State, Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), has called on President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, to intervene on the strike embarked on by electricity workers.
Ajaero was reportedly attacked by thugs linked to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s aide, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, on November 1, a development that prompted a solidarity strike by electricity workers, leaving the state in darkness in the past two weeks.
Since the attack, power supply across Imo State has been deliberately halted by electricity workers aligning themselves with the plight of the labour leader.
But, in a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Eke, OZAC implored Ajaero to reconsider the continuation of the strike.
Expressing concern over the severe consequences, the group highlighted the economic downturn, collapsing small-scale businesses, and the precarious security situation arising from the prolonged power outage in the state.
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While condemning the brutality inflicted upon Ajaero, the group acknowledged Governor Uzodimma’s apology on national television and the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, as positive steps that should compel Ajaero to have a rethink and suspend the strike of the electricity workers.
OZAC emphasised the immense hardship faced by Imo residents due to the extended power outage, coupled with exorbitant fuel prices reaching N700 per litre and skyrocketing living costs. It, therefore, urged Ajaero to reconsider his stance, recognising the efforts made towards meeting the NLC’s demands and emphasising the necessity of restoring electricity to alleviate the people’s suffering.
In its plea, OZAC urged Ajaero not to exacerbate the predicament of those he champions by prolonging the strike.
The statement reads: “Two of the NLC’s demands have been addressed, with ongoing investigations by the Inspector-General of Police into his assault.
“The prevailing challenges in Imo State necessitate a balance between pursuing workers’ rights and mitigating the severe impact on the daily lives of the state’s inhabitants. Our plea underscores the delicate balance between activism and the responsibility to alleviate the broader hardships imposed on the people of Imo State.”