By Ken Afor
Following the statement released by organized labour concerning the scheduled November 14 mass strike, air transport unions have initiated the removal of personnel from Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
The affected unions include:, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, (NAAPE), and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, (ANAP).
This trails the brutalisation of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero last week Wednesday in Owerri during the mobilisation of union members at the state secretariat for a planned protest and a strike.
TheNewDiplomat had earlier reported that Ajaero was beaten and brutalised by some unidentified persons allegedly sponsored by the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, in the presence of police officers. The labour leader was subsequently taken to an unknown destination.
This, however, sparked reactions prompting the organised labour demanding the redeployment of the commissioner of police in the state, investigation and prosecution of those involved in the brutalisation of Ajaero.
Consequently, in a statement issued on Wednesday, workers in the various aviation unions have been mandated to withdraw their services across the country ahead of the November 14 industrial action.
The statement read, “Following the escalation of the imbroglio created by the mayhem unleashed on workers by the Imo State Government of Uzodimma and continued insensitivity of the government over the matter; and in compliance with the directive of the joint NEC session of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, the above named unions, being affiliates of NLC and TUC, hereby direct all aviation workers (both public and private) to withdraw all services to all Owerri flights (inwards and outwards) from any airport in Nigeria with effect from today.
“In addition, the person of Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State is hereby declared persona non grata at all airports in Nigeria until he purges himself of bestial tendencies.
“Our unions will make further efforts through our international affiliations to blacklist Hope Uzodimma worldwide.
“Furthermore, all aviation workers in Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri are hereby directed to stay at home, also with effect from today as directed by NLC and TUC.
“Based on the above, the State Councils and all branches of the unions will meet today at 5pm in Lagos and Abuja to agree on modalities for carrying out the above directive.
“The meeting in Lagos will be held at NUATE Secretariat, while that of Abuja will be at GAT (pilgrims’ terminal).
“By this notice, the airports’ managements, airlines operating into and out of Owerri, intending airport passengers into and out of Owerri, and the general public are hereby advised about this situation so as to be forewarned.”
