Some offices in Abia were shut down today following the nationwide strike directed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The affected offices include the State Board of Internal Revenue, health offices, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (Umuahia office), Local Government Areas, State Secretariat, the office of the Head of Service, and the office of the Accountant General of the state, among others.
According to the Abia NLC chairman, Comrade Pascal Iheme Nweke, the state task force on compliance will be more thorough in enforcing the national directive by Wednesday.
Earlier, the Abia NLC had directed federal, state, and local government workers, as well as private sector workers in the state, to join the strike that began on Tuesday, 14th November 2023, in response to the recent abduction, physical assault, and attempt on the life of the National President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
This directive was contained in a press release signed by Abia NLC chairman, Comrade Pascal Iheme Nweke, and the State Secretary, Comrade Emma Alozie, explaining the reason for the strike action.
The press release states, “The incident took place on Thursday, 2nd November 2023. On the orders of the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, the Imo State Police Command abducted the Com. President from the IMO NLC State Council Secretariat in Owerri was waiting to flag off a peaceful protest rally against the Imo State Government for non-payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. During this event, he was manhandled and violated by the policemen. Later, he was blindfolded and moved to an unknown location where further mistreatment was meted out on him.
“Unequivocally, the Abia State Council of Congress states that it is unfortunate that Imo State Governor, through the State Police Command, has fully exploited the atmosphere of industrial tyranny in a determined effort to disorganize, dislodge, and ultimately undermine the integrity of the Labour Movement in the country.”
The state council further explained that the essence of this press release “is to put all affiliates of NLC and their leadership on red alert and to urge them to begin sensitization and mobilization of their members in readiness to join the planned nationwide strike action beginning from Tuesday, 14th November 2023,” and directed, “In this regard, all workers in Abia State, both in Federal, State, and Local Governments, as well as private sector workers, are, by this notice, directed to withdraw their services from Tuesday, 14th November 2023, by 00:00 hrs.”
It requested all industrial unions to ensure total compliance.
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