Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has warned that he will withhold the salaries of striking workers and replace any employee who fails to resume work within 72 hours. This announcement comes amid the ongoing strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
In a live broadcast from the Government House Centenary City in Abakaliki on Monday, the governor expressed frustration over the strike action, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare. He highlighted that the state had already implemented a minimum wage of N75,000 for workers in Grade levels 1 and 2, with an additional N40,000 increment for employees in Grade levels 3-17.
Governor Nwifuru declared, “If you fail to report to work, not only will I withhold your salary, but I will also replace you within 72 hours. As long as I am not at fault and have fulfilled my obligations, including paying the agreed wages, I am not in arrears. If you do not show up for duty within 72 hours, I will take action. I have already informed the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, and I’ve instructed all commissioners to ensure their offices are manned. All government departments and agencies must operate, and attendance will be recorded.”
He continued, “Those who attend work will be paid based on the number of days worked. If you choose not to return to your duties, you can forget about receiving state government payment.”
The NLC leadership had previously called for a seven-day warning strike in Ebonyi and other states that have not yet implemented the New National Minimum Wage.
