In response to a seven-day warning strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru has issued a strong warning to state workers. He gave them a 72-hour ultimatum to return to work or face dismissal.

Addressing the press at the Government House in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru stated that the state government was up to date on payments and was not owing any workers. He also confirmed that the state government had approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 and had already started paying it to employees.

The NLC in Ebonyi had started the strike over what they claimed was the non-implementation of the new minimum wage. However, Governor Nwifuru reassured the public that the government was fulfilling its financial responsibilities and urged workers to return to work immediately.

The governor’s warning came as a firm response to the strike, emphasizing that those who fail to resume work within the given time frame would be replaced.

However, reacting to the strike, Nwifuru said, “If you didn’t go to work, not only that I will not pay you salary, but I will replace you within 72 hours in your office.

“If I don’t see you in your office, consider yourself sacked. So far 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 the Constitution, I am not owing you. If you don’t go to work within 72 hours I will replace you.

“And I have called the state chairman of the Civil Service Commission.I have directed all the commissioners to go to their offices. All the agencies, all the departments of government must be in their office and record the people that come to work. And that is the people I will pay through table payment.

“I will pay you by the number of days you attended to your duty in your office. If you don’t want to come to work, you will forget about the state government.”