In a resolute response to the recent turmoil in Imo State, the Aviation Unions have issued a directive to their members stationed at Nigerian airports. They have been instructed to cease their services and halt all flights to Owerri, Imo State, effectively grounding aviation operations in the region.
The impetus for this move stems from a directive issued by the Labour Union, a collective effort that includes the Nigeria Labour Congress , NLC, and the Trade Union Congress ,TUC.
Their decision was fueled by the disturbing incident that unfolded last week in Owerri, where the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, was subjected to brutal treatment.
The aviation unions behind this significant action 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 the National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers, NAAPE.
Their united front was evident in a joint statement delivered by their respective General-Secretaries.
The statement, co-authored by Comrades Ocheme Aba of NUATE, Frances Akinjole of ATSSSAN, Abdul Rasaq Saidu of ANAP, and Umoh Ofonime of NAAPE, goes a step further.
In addition to halting aviation services to Owerri, it also pronounces Governor Hope Uzodimma persona non grata in all airports across the country. This declaration effectively bans the governor from entering any airport nationwide.
The joint 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 NLC and the 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 today.”
“In addition, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, 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 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 as directed by NLC and TUC.
“Based on the above, the State Councils and all Branches of the unions will meet today at 5pm in Lagos and Abuja to agree on modalities for carrying out the above directive.
The meeting in Lagos will hold 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”.
The strike action is of indefinite nature until otherwise directed by NLC and TUC.
This move is a powerful display of solidarity by the aviation unions, reflecting their commitment to justice and workers’ rights.
