Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has given state workers a 72-hour ultimatum to resume duties or face immediate dismissal. The governor also threatened to replace any dismissed worker within the stipulated time frame.
This announcement follows a seven-day warning strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State chapter, over alleged non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru insisted that the state government is not indebted to any worker. He emphasized that the government had approved and begun paying a minimum wage of ₦75,000.
The NLC commenced its warning strike on Sunday, citing the non-implementation of the agreed minimum wage as the cause of their action.
In response, Governor Nwifuru stated:
> “If you don’t go to work, not only will I withhold your salary, but I will also replace you within 72 hours. If I don’t see you in your office, consider yourself dismissed. I am not guilty of any wrongdoing. I am paying you what is due as agreed and as stipulated by the Constitution.”
The governor further directed the state chairman of the Civil Service Commission, along with all commissioners, agencies, and government departments, to monitor staff attendance. He instructed that only those who report to work be paid through table payment:
> “I will pay you based on the number of days you are present at your duty post. If you refuse to work, you forfeit your salary from the state government.”
The governor’s tough stance comes amid rising tensions between the state government and labor unions over wage disputes.
