Residents of Abuja who had booked their flights for today were taken by surprise as members of the Organised Labour blocked both the entry and exit ways of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
You may be wondering the reasons for this action. Well, it is to protest the assault of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The labour unions had earlier mobilised for a protest at the Abuja Airport to enforce their directive to members working in the aviation sector to stop all flights to Owerri, Imo.
The protest is part of the series of actions by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), who had vowed to ground Imo State economically following the attack on the NLC president.
Ajaero’s Ordeal
Labour has restated that Govenor Hope Uzodinma of Imo and the police command in the state, were responsible for Ajaero’s ordeal.
However, the governor and the police have denied their involvement.
The protesters attempted to enter the airport but were stopped at the checkpoint by the military and other security agencies.
Angered by the refusal, the protesters blocked the airport’s entry and exit points, causing heavy vehicle traffic on both sides.
Also, travelers were forced to start making their way into the airport on foot.
Nationwide Strike
Recall that the NLC and TUC had on Tuesday declared a nationwide strike, which will commence on Tuesday, November 14, because of the face-off with the Imo state government.
On Wednesday, aviation unions directed their workers to withdraw services to all Owerri flights from all airports in Nigeria.
This is in line with the directive from organised labour.
The statement was issued by the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE).
Watch video here:
BREAKING: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has blocked the entire road leading to the Abuja airport. pic.twitter.com/H7Jj3dK3MB
— Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization. (@PO_GrassRootM) November 9, 2023
