Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) chieftain, Omoyele Sowore, has accused Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma of attempting to assassinate the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero.
Recall that Ajaero was arrested by the Police in Owerri, Imo State on Wednesday and taken away by heavily armed security personnel.
The NLC president was in Owerri to mobilise Imo workers for a mega protest rally in the state over an alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers by the state government.
Confirming his arrest, Ajaero’s personal assistant, Mr. Onyeka Chris, said the police led by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s aide, Mr. Chinasa Nwaneri, brought thugs to the NLC secretariat to unleash mayhem and whisk Ajaero away.
However, amid backlash from Nigerians, the police have denied arresting Ajaero, saying the NLC president was taken into custody following an attack on him.
A statement by the State police spokesperson, Henry Okoye further claimed that it was during the attempt to lockdown the airport by the leaders of the union to have a heavy effect that led to a disagreement between the protesters and workers at the airport.
READ ALSO: Imo guber: Uzodimma has performed well, says Trade Minister, Uzoka-Anite
This according to the police spokesperson led to a misunderstanding and the police he said had to wade into the matter to avert loss of life and property.
But a conflicting report from the State secretariat of NLC noted that Ajaero and his members were attacked by miscreants suspected to be agents of the State government who do not want the protest to hold.
Reacting to the development via his X handle, formerly Twitter, Sowore alleged that the thugs were sent by the Imo State governor to kill Ajaero.
He went on to urge the NLC to shut down Nigeria until Gov Uzodinma is removed from office.
Speaking via his social media page, Sowore tweeted: “This barbarism is unacceptable, @HopeUzodinma sent thugs to assault and possibly assassinate @NLCHeadquarters President Joe Ajaero.
“The @NLCHeadquarters ought to shut down the country until the Imo State Governor and his thugs are removed from office. #RevolutionNow.”