The former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gusau Branch, covering Zamfara State, Bello Galadi, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to investigate, arrest and prosecute the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.
Galadi, who is also the Chairman of Bello Galadi Foundation, also condemned the attack and brutalisation of the NLC President in Owerri, Imo State.
He said: “I urge the IGP to intensify efforts to arrest, investigate and prosecute the culprits. In the same vein, I personally do not see any relationship between the assault on the NLC President and strike action. While the assault is personal, the strike is official.
“The fundamental rights of the NLC President are enshrined and protected under Section 34(1) of Nigeria’s Constitution. Instead of the NLC President enforcing his rights in a court of law and seeking damages, he resorted to self-help, thereby causing unnecessary tension and aggravating the suffering of the masses.
“It is unwarranted to shut down the whole country, including schools, offices, businesses, courts, and hospitals because of the personal interest of an individual. An innocent man from Kebbi suffered in an incident that occurred in Imo. It makes no sense to me to punish over 200 million Nigerians for the wrong committed by a few individuals. You cannot fix an injustice with an injustice.
“IGP should therefore arrest, investigate and prosecute the NLC President for actions likely to cause a breach of the public peace. This becomes necessary so as to deter other leaders from abusing their offices in future.”
