The Nigeria Labour Congress‘ industrial action over the failure to implement the new national minimum wage halted civil service in three states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru threatening to replace workers if they did not return to work.
Nwifuru made the warning during a live broadcast from his office at Government House in Centenary City, Abakaliki, on Monday.
The enraged governor threatened that he would not only withhold the striking workers’ salaries but also replace any of them who failed to report to work within the following 72 hours.
The governor spoke out against the prolonged strike, claiming that he has done so much for workers in the state.
He stated, “If you don’t go to work, not only that, I will not pay your salary; I will replace you within 72 hours. I owe you nothing since I am not guilty. I am paying you what is due, and I do not owe you anything under the agreement or the constitution. If you do not report to work within 72 hours, I will replace you.”
He continued, “I have phoned the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission. I have instructed all of the commissioners to their offices. All government organisations and departments must be in their offices, recording who comes to work.
“I will pay through table payment based on the number of days you work in your office. If you don’t want to come to work, disregard the state government.”
Prof. Oguguo Egwu, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ebonyi State Chapter, voiced displeasure on Sunday with the governor’s alleged nonchalant approach towards the situation of workers, saying the state’s government officials were in disarray.
Other states where government activities were halted included Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory.
