Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Samuel Anyanwu, has criticised the arrest and torture of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Mr Joe Ajaero.
Anyanwu made this known in a statement signed by the director, media, and publicity of the PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation, Ikenna Onuoha.
He said it was sad that the alleged lawlessness of the Governor Hope Uzodinma administration had reached an uncontrollable level.
Anyanwu said it was regrettable that the alleged widely condemned lawlessness of the present administration in the state has reached an uncontrollable measure where everyone is a major target.
“Credible information obtained shortly after the incident indicates that the only offence purportedly committed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero is for leading a genuine protest against Uzodimma’s government for owing workers and Pensioners over 42 months arrears. Our investigation further revealed that the workers were protesting against the declaration of over 4000 civil servants in the state as ghost workers,“ he said.
Onuoha submitted that as a responsible and responsive campaign council championing a genuine cause for the people of the state, it is condemnable for Uzodimma to order for the abduction of Comrade Ajaero, in a state he is a bonafide citizen.
“The question is; what is Uzodimma afraid of that he wants to dominate everywhere? If Uzodimma does not want workers to protest against non-payment of their statutory entitlements, it is ideal for him to clear all the arrears to enable them to provide for their families.
“It is worthy to note that under Uzodimma as Governor, intimidation, harassment, abuse of human rights and illegal arrest have taken center stage in Imo State. Oftentimes, Uzodimma had paid lip service to all these complaints and never cared to respect Imo workers. It is absurd and unwarranted.
“Our campaign council is worried that Imo State in the last three and a half years has been on the bad news. As Imo citizens, it is time for the people to take their state back,” he said.
