Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has issued a stern warning to striking workers in the state, threatening to replace them if they do not return to work within 72 hours.
Nwifuru made the threat during a live broadcast at the Government House in Abakaliki on Monday, December 3, 2024, where he addressed the ongoing industrial action by workers over the alleged non-implementation of the new minimum wage by the state government.
The governor’s message was clear: “If you don’t go to work, not only that I will not pay you salary, I will replace you within 72 hours,” he declared.
A Dispute Over Wages
The workers, including civil servants, have been on strike, demanding that the state government implement the newly agreed minimum wage. They claim that the government has failed to meet the wage increase as promised, despite an agreement to do so.
However, Governor Nwifuru insisted that the state government was not owing the workers and that salaries were being paid according to what was agreed upon.
He strongly rejected the workers’ claims, saying, “As far as I am not guilty, I do not owe you. I am paying you what is supposed to be paid.”
Nwifuru also emphasized that, according to the constitution and agreements made with the workers, there was no outstanding debt.
He further stated, “If you don’t go to work within 72 hours, I will replace you.”
Action Taken
In response to the ongoing strike, Nwifuru said he had instructed all commissioners and heads of agencies to report to their offices immediately and record the attendance of government workers.
He added that the workers who return to work will be paid based on their attendance. “I will pay through table payment, by the number of days you attend to your duty in your office,” he stated.
The governor’s tough stance has sparked reactions across the state. Many workers are now left wondering whether they will face mass replacements if they do not return to work in the next 72 hours.
Calls for Peaceful Resolution
The strike has caused significant disruption in the state, affecting various sectors, including healthcare, education, and local government services. While the governor has insisted that the workers are not owed any money, the workers argue that their grievances over the minimum wage have not been addressed.
In the face of the escalating standoff, Ebonyi State Labour Union has called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
A union leader, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We are not on strike because we want to hurt the government. We simply want our wages to reflect the current economic realities. The governor needs to understand that we are fighting for our rights.”
The union is demanding the immediate implementation of the new minimum wage, as agreed in previous negotiations, which they say has not been fully put into effect.
A Tense Situation
The situation in Ebonyi has become tense as both sides stand firm. The workers argue that they are not being paid according to the new wage law, while the governor insists that all payments are up-to-date.
Nwifuru’s ultimatum has added pressure to the already strained relationship between the state government and the workers.
The workers’ unions are currently deliberating on the next steps, with some calling for solidarity across various sectors of the state workforce.
Governor’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Governor Nwifuru’s strong words have raised questions about his leadership style. His decision to openly threaten to sack workers has been criticized by some political analysts, who argue that the government should seek dialogue rather than confrontation.
One analyst noted, “The governor’s approach may lead to more resentment. While he is within his rights to ensure that work continues, this could be an opportunity to engage with the workers and resolve the issue amicably.”
Others, however, have supported the governor’s actions, suggesting that the workers have been unreasonable by continuing their strike, despite the government’s stance on the issue.
