Nigerian aviation sector unions have ordered all flights to Owerri, Imo State, to be withdrawn from all Nigerian airports.
This is a response to the abuse that occurred in the state on Wednesday, November 1, against Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The directive was issued in a joint statement released today, November 8, by the aviation unions, which include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
Governor Hope Uzodimma was declared persona non grata in all airports by the joint statement of their General-Secretaries, which also included Comrades Ocheme Aba, Frances Akinjole of NUATE, Abdul Rasaq Saidu of ATSSSAN, ANAP, and Umoh Ofonime of NAAPE.
The statement reads; “Following the escalation of the imbroglio created by the mayhem unleashed on workers by the Imo State Government of Hope Uzodimma and continued insensitivity of the Government over the matter; and in compliance with the directive of the joint NEC session of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), the above named unions, being affiliates of NLC and TUC, hereby direct all aviation workers (both public and private) to withdraw all services to all Owerri flights (inwards and outwards) from any airport in Nigeria with effect from midnight of 08/11/2023 (today).
“In addition, the person of Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State is hereby declared persona non grata at all airports in Nigeria until he purges himself of bestial tendencies.
“Our unions will make further efforts through our international affiliations to blacklist Hope Uzodimma worldwide.
“Furthermore, all aviation workers in Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri are hereby directed to stay at home, also with effect from midnight today (08/11/2023) as directed by NLC and TUC.
“Based on the above, the State Councils and all Branches of the unions will meet today at 5 p.m. in Lagos and Abuja to agree on modalities for carrying out the above directive. The meeting in Lagos will be held at NUATE Secretariat, while that of Abuja will be at GAT (pilgrims’ terminal).
“By this notice, the airports’ managements, airlines operating into and out of Owerri, intending airport passengers into and out of Owerri, and the general public are hereby advised about this situation so as to be forewarned.”
On Tuesday, November 7, the Labour Union said that it would go on a nationwide strike beginning on November 14 in protest of the attack on Ajaero.