Aviation unions cancel all flights to Imo, ban Uzodimma from all airports nationwide

Aviation unions have directed their members in Nigerian airports to withdraw their services and cancelled all flights to Owerri, Imo State.

This is in reaction to a directive issued by the Labour Union, which includes the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), following the brutalization of NLC President Joe Ajaero last week in Owerri.

The aviation unions including 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), said this in a joint statement.

The joint statement by their General-Secretaries, including Comrades Ocheme Aba; NUATE, Frances Akinjole; ATSSSAN, Abdul Rasaq Saidu; ANAP and Umoh Ofonime, NAAPE, also declared Governor Hope Uzodimma persona non grata in all airports, which means the governor has been banned from entering every airport nationwide.

The statement read: “Following the escalation of the imbroglio created by the mayhem unleashed on workers by the Imo State Government of Hope Uzodimma and the 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 pm 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.”

The strike action is of an indefinite nature until otherwise directed by NLC and TUC.