Members of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), yesterday, blocked the entrance to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The two terminals at Lagos airport were also picketed, leaving many passengers stranded.
General Secretary of National Union of Air Transport Employees, (NUATE), Ochemba Aba, said the move was in compliance with the joint NLC/TUC directive ordering immediate withdrawal of services and shutdown of Imo State over the assault on NLC President, Joe Ajaero.
The congresses had ordered that all flights into and out of Imo State, fuel supplies and electricity be stopped beginning midnight of Wednesday.
The move was aimed at putting pressure on Federal Government to sanction Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, for allegedly unleashing mayhem on workers during a peaceful protest.
The action, however, drew condemnation from some members of the public and especially, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who said: “As the political head of the aviation industry in Nigeria, I will not close my eyes to what is happening at the Abuja international airport and two other places.”
Keyamo spoke during the opening ceremony of the ministry’s retreat for management staff and agencies in Warri, Delta State.
“Labour leaders went to Abuja today (yesterday) to block access roads in protest, as they alleged, over the treatment meted out on NLC president. Aviation was not involved at all, but their target is aviation, their retaliation is aviation.
“I want to beg them. Please, leave us alone. You cannot target aviation in trying to address your grievances. Targeting aviation has global consequences. It affects foreigners coming into Nigeria. It affects ordinary Nigerians going about their normal businesses.
“As at yesterday, we were battling with the fact that they said it was only flights to Imo that they would disrupt. But this morning, by blocking the access to Abuja airport, they’re disrupting the entire country,” Keyamo said.
Also, an intending passenger, Wale Adesola, said: “We are living in a lawless society. In other civilized societies, such action is never allowed. If the unions have issues with the Imo State governor, then they should take their protest to the state, rather than block the airport in the name of wanting to get the attention of the President.”
Adesola added: “Imagine, I am already late for my appointment. I wanted to catch up with an 8:45 a.m. flight to Lagos. I have been stuck in this gridlock since 8:00 a.m. It’s 10:00 a.m. now and I am still waiting here.”
