The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has condemned in strong term, brutalization and raw violence perpetrated against the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero and other union members by the Imo State Police Command.
SSANIP urged the Police to take cognisance of the fact that such acts of brutality and oppression have no place in a democratic society, adding that it stands in solidarity with the NLC during these trying times.
The SSANIP President, Comrade Adebanjo Philip Ogunsipe who made this known in a statement made available to The Daily Crucible in Abeokuta, the state capital, noted that the recent events involving the unjustified use of force against the President of the NLC, and other union members in Imo State, have rocked the very foundations of the country’s democracy.
Ogunsipe added that the association remains fully committed to working in unity with the NLC and other labour unions to resist and oppose any uncivil behavior that undermines the rights, dignity, and well-being of workers in Nigeria, even as he reminded the oppressors that a just and fair society can only be achieved when workers’ rights are upheld and respected.
The statement reads in full, “The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) strongly condemns the appalling incident of brutalization and violence perpetrated against the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero and other union members by the Imo State Police Command.
Such acts of brutality and oppression have no place in a democratic society, and SSANIP stands in solidarity with the NLC during these trying times.
The recent events involving the unjustified use of force against the President of the NLC, and other union members in Imo State, have shaken the very foundations of our democracy.
We view this incident with grave concern, as it not only violates the rights and dignity of the affected individuals but also undermines the fundamental principles of workers’ rights and civil liberties.
SSANIP reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the cause of the Nigerian Labour Congress and all unions striving for the welfare and betterment of Nigerian workers. We firmly believe a government that has failed in her responsibility to pay workers would appreciate the importance of peaceful, democratic dialogue as a means to resolve disputes and disagreements.
Violence and brutality have no place in the discourse of labour disputes, and we condemn this act unequivocally.
In light of the recent events, the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) pledges its unyielding support for the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress. We stand firmly with the NLC, s efforts to secure justice for our President and union members who have been unjustly brutalized. We call on all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, holding those responsible accountable for their actions, as the consequence of the bastardly act will not go down well in the history of our country.
SSANIP is fully committed to working hand in hand with the Nigeria Labour Congress and other labour unions to resist and oppose any uncivil behavior that undermines the rights, dignity, and well-being of workers in Nigeria. We firmly believe that a just and fair society can only be achieved when workers’ rights are upheld and respected.
The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) extends its heartfelt sympathy to the President of Congress Comrade Joe Ajaero during these challenging times. We call for unity among all workers, as together we can create a stronger and more equitable Nigeria where the rights of workers are protected, and justice prevails.”
