The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has warned that any worker participating in the ongoing industrial strike over the new minimum wage will be replaced within 72 hours.
According to Daily Trust, Governor Nwifuru made this statement on Monday at his office in Abakaliki, the state capital, in response to the one-week strike declared by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Oguguo Egwu.
Egwu had announced the strike on Sunday, following the national directive from the NLC leadership on November 8, 2024, for state councils to take action in states yet to implement the new wage. Nwifuru, however, expressed displeasure with the strike, emphasizing that the National Assembly had passed a bill for a minimum wage, not a salary increment, and had not set a cap on what workers could be paid.
“I want to make it clear that the National Assembly did not pass a bill for salary increments, only for a minimum wage. The bill does not specify the maximum amount payable to workers,” Nwifuru said. “I will not allow personal interests to override the public interest. It is surprising that the labour went on strike despite the state already implementing the new minimum wage since October.”
He further clarified that the state government was up to date with its salary, pension, and gratuity obligations. “I am not owing any worker in the state,” he added. “If you choose to stay at home instead of working, I will replace you within 72 hours. So, I am giving you 72 hours to return to duty, or you will be dismissed.”
Nwifuru also directed that attendance registers be opened in all ministries and government offices, noting that those who report to work will be paid based on the attendance records. “We will monitor attendance closely, and only those who show up for work will be paid,” he explained. He also stated that he would not engage in negotiations, as Comrade Egwu was not a direct employee of the state government.
Reports indicate that some ministries, including those in charge of primary and secondary schools, did not observe the strike.
