NLC STRIKE: Hold Ikpeazu’s Govt Until They Show Responsibility – SEMPG President To Abia Workers
On the heels of the indefinite strike embarked on by the Abia State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the president of South East Media Professional Group (SEMPG) and publisher, ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER, Mr. Emenike Jason Iroegbu, has charged Abia workers to remain firm on their decision until the state government led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu fulfils it’s responsibility of paying salaries and catering for other workers’ welfare.
Iroegbu while featuring on Love FM Programme “Political Aproko” on Thursday, regretted that governor Ikpeazu failed to fulfil his own part of the negotiation and agreement reached with NLC in March 2023 after they had called off the then strike.
The SEMPG President, noted that the current indefinite strike in Abia state which has led to the shutdown of the health, education sectors, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, is a dent to the image of Governor Ikpeazu as he leaves office.
“Everything has shutdown in Abia state. It is good that leaders finishes well, in a way that the people will always remember them overtime.
“This is the time God has given you (Ikpeazu) to lead this state and that time is gradually coming to an end. It will be good that you can beat your chest and say “I resolved this particular issue during my time as governor’.
“Non- payment of salaries is one of the issues that has plagued Abia state government”.
“NLC strike will put a huge dent on the result of governor Okezie Ikpeazu if at the end of the day, he leaves without resolving the issue”.
“Workers hold the government accountable; the government has received March and April allocation including IGR. Hold the government accountable, continue with the strike until they show responsibility” Iroegbu charged.
He advised the workers to negotiate with the incoming administration on their grievances if the incumbent government fails to live up to their expectation.
Iroegbu also he called on the incoming administration of Dr Alex Otti to fulfil it’s promise of clearing backlog of salaries among others.
“One of your key campaign promises is payment of backlog of salaries, and the governor elect also gave a timeline. Though some people in the financial sector has said it is not possible, we know the capacity of Dr Alex Otti judging from his antecedents in the banking sector and his achievements as an individual, we believe he has done accurate research and analysis before promising to pay.
“It is a big burden to the incoming government but they have promised to do it and we believe they will do it” he added.
