The industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress over the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage grounded the civil service in three states and the Federal Capital Territory.
As a result, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi is threatening to replace workers in the state should they fail to return to work.
Nwifuru made the threat during a live broadcast in his office at Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki on Monday.
The visibly angry governor vowed that he would not only withhold the salaries of the striking workers but also replace any of them who failed to report to office in the next 72 hours.
The governor kicked against the ongoing strike, stating that he had done so much for workers in the state.
He said, “If you don’t go to work, not only that I will not pay you salary, I will replace you within 72 hours.
“As far as I am not guilty, I do not owe you. I am paying you what is supposed to be paid and according to the agreement and constitution, I do not owe you. If you don’t go to work within 72 hours, I will replace you.”
He added, “I have called the Chairman, 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 offices and record the people that come to work.
“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, forget about the state government.”
Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Ebonyi State chapter, Prof. Oguguo Egwu, had on Sunday expressed displeasure over the perceived lackadaisical attitude of the governor towards the plight of workers, saying the condition of civil servants in the state was worrisome.
Other states where government activities were paralysed were Nasarawa, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory.
