Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has issued a stern warning to workers participating in the ongoing strike over the new minimum wage, threatening to replace any striking employee within 72 hours if they do not return to work.
The Governor made this statement on Monday in Abakaliki, the state capital, following the one-week industrial action led by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Oguguo Egwu.
Egwu had announced the strike on Sunday in accordance with a directive from the national NLC leadership, which had called for action in states yet to implement the new minimum wage, citing a deadline of November 8, 2024.
Governor Nwifuru expressed his displeasure with the strike, clarifying that the National Assembly only passed a bill for the minimum wage, not a salary increment.
He emphasized that the law did not set a maximum salary limit for workers, and he would not allow personal interests to interfere with public service.
The Governor further stated that the state government had already begun paying the new minimum wage in October and refuted claims of owing any worker back salaries, pensions, or gratuities.
He made it clear that workers who chose to remain on strike would face immediate dismissal, with a 72-hour ultimatum to return to work.
Nwifuru also announced the introduction of an attendance register at all ministries and government offices to monitor attendance, ensuring that only those who report to work would be paid.
Additionally, the Governor indicated that he would not enter into negotiations with Comrade Egwu, as he did not consider him a direct employee of the state government.
Despite the strike, some government ministries, including primary and secondary schools, reportedly continued operations.
