Travellers were forced to miss their flights on Thursday morning when members of the organised Labour comprising the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), blocked the entrance to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Abuja, thereby causing heavy traffic gridlock.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the protesters were demanding for the cancellation of flights going to Owerri, the Imo State capital as part of their efforts to enforce the industrial action in the state following the maltreatment of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, allegedly by the Police in Owerri last week.
One of the protesters identified as John, said this was part of a series of actions that the two labour unions will zero in on Imo State, following the assault on the NLC President.
Meanwhile , a worker at the airport, Christopher Wilson, while confirming the protest, said the workers’ unions have commenced the procession as they all filed out in a convoy heading to the airport.
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They blocked both the entry and exit ways of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He also said members of the organised labour gathered at the airport since around 8:58am to enforce their directive to members working in the aviation sector to stop all flights to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport in Owerri.
The protesters attempted to enter the airport but were stopped by the military personnel at the checkpoint. As a result of the barricade, the protesters blocked the entry and exit points of the airport, causing heavy traffic of vehicles on both sides, thereby forcing travellers to make their way into the airport on foot.
This caused gridlock which extended to the major Airport Road, also known as Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway, grounding activities as people travelling in and out of Abuja were forced to disembark from their vehicles and found trekking long distances while others were patronising the services of Okada riders.
Recall that the NLC and TUC declared a nationwide strike, which will commence on Tuesday, November 14, also to protest the face-off with the Imo State Government.
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