- Expresses concerns about his deteriorating health
BY EDMOND ODOK – Following concerns over his health status after being brutalized by alleged political thugs in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Wednesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says its National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, may be flown abroad for urgent medical treatment.
The Congress’ Head of Information and Public Affairs, Comrade Benson Upah, said yesterday that talks were ongoing on the possibility of taking Ajaero outside the country for better medical care due to the nature and severity of injuries he sustained in the fracas.
According to Upah; “His health has not picked up and we are worried; we are concerned. Some are already suggesting that he be flown outside the country for a more comprehensive investigation and treatment, so his situation has been deteriorating”.
Also, reports quoted Ajaero as saying on Thursday that he was currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Abuja, adding that the NLC will take a stand on the development in Imo after his recuperation.
He said; “As I speak, I’m receiving treatment in a private hospital in Abuja. Actually, I have been going from one hospital to the other, running tests and battling to stay stable. You know I was terribly manhandled by those people. But let me recover first, other details will follow”.
Reportedly beaten and blindfolded before being arrested by police officers at the Imo Council NLC’s secretariat in Owerri where he had gone to lead a protest against the alleged maltreatment of workers by the state government, Ajaero was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owerri for medical attention where his health is said to have deteriorated on Thursday evening.
In accusing the State government of violating workers’ rights and welfare, the NLC had planned Monday’s peaceful protest, which later turned violent, to demand justice and accountability while asking Governor Hope Uzodimma to honour agreements signed with the labour centre.
