NLC Slams Ebonyi Governor Over Threat to Replace Striking Workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized Ebonyi State Governor for threatening to replace striking workers amid a dispute over the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has issued a stern warning to civil servants participating in the ongoing Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) strike. The strike, which began less than 24 hours ago, is a response to the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage.

Governor Nwifuru has criticized the strike, threatening to replace any worker who fails to resume duties within 72 hours. During a live broadcast on Monday, December 2, at the Government House in Abakaliki, Nwifuru declared that striking workers would face withheld salaries and replacement if they did not return to work. This move has sparked concerns among civil servants and labor unions.

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has expressed frustration with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, accusing them of misrepresenting the situation despite his claimed fulfillment of obligations to the workforce. The governor's frustration comes after the state NLC Chairman, Prof. Oguguo Egwu, criticized his perceived indifference to workers' demands, describing the plight of civil servants in Ebonyi as worrisome.

The situation escalated when Governor Nwifuru threatened to replace striking workers within 72 hours, saying, “If you don't go to work, not only that I will not pay you a salary, I will replace you within 72 hours in your office.” This stern warning has likely added to the tension between the governor and the NLC leadership.

“If I don't see you in your office. As far as I am not guilty. I am not owing you. I am paying you what is supposed to be paid. And according to the agreement and constitution, I am not owing you. If you don't go to work within 72 hours I will replace you. I have called the chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

“I have directed all the commissioners to go to their offices. All the agencies and all the departments of government must be in their office and record the people that come to work.

“Those are the people I will pay through table payment by the number of days you attend to your duty in your office. If you don't want to come to work. You will forget about state government.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has come out swinging against Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, criticizing his threat to dismiss public sector workers participating in a strike over the non-implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. NLC President Joe Ajaero described the governor's warning as “reckless and unacceptable,” calling on state workers to stand firm and escalate the industrial action without fear of intimidation.

Ajaero's statement emphasized the importance of collective resistance against what the NLC termed an affront to workers' rights. The organization urged private sector workers in Ebonyi to join the strike in solidarity, stressing that unity is crucial in the face of perceived injustice. By standing together, workers can effectively push for their rights and demand better treatment from the government.

“We are dismayed by the statement credited to the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Nwifuru, that striking workers should consider themselves sacked unless they resume work immediately,” Ajaero said. 

“The strike followed failed negotiations and prior notices to the Governor regarding the non-payment of the 2024 national minimum wage, which was signed into law months ago.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed its support for the ongoing strike, emphasizing its legality and legitimacy as a means for workers to demand their rights. The union has been vocal in its criticism of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru's confrontational stance, accusing him of arrogance and an unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

In a bold move, the NLC has instructed all affiliated unions, including those in the private sector, to join the industrial action. This solidarity is crucial in amplifying the workers' demands and pushing for the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage. The NLC has urged workers to remain steadfast in their efforts, emphasizing that the strike will continue until Governor Nwifuru adheres to the law and meets their demands.

The NLC has pledged to issue further directives as the situation evolves, signaling its commitment to sustaining the strike until their demands are met. This determination underscores the union's resolve to protect workers' rights and push for better working conditions. With the strike gaining momentum, it remains to be seen how Governor Nwifuru will respond to the NLC's demands.