Our Indefinite Strike Continues – Abia Workers Says, Refuse Govt Order To Resume Work

Despite the order from the Abia State Government led by governor Okezie Ikpeazu for workers to call off their strike and resume work, civil servants have insisted on carrying on with their indefinite strike until they receive their due allowances.

The governor had in a statement signed by Barrister Chris Ezem, Secretary to the Abia state Government on Friday stated that he has “directed the office of the Accountant General to commence payment of salaries to ministries and parastatal from friday 12th May 2023.”

The governor thereafter ordered the workers to resume work to ensure a smooth payment process.

Responding to the order, the State Council of Congress in a press statement signed by their state secretary, Comrade Pastor Emma Alozie (JP) on Friday, insisted that Abia workers will remain on strike pending when the outstanding issues are resolved.

The congress clarified that the Abia state chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress only approved for “government to access some critical offices that relates to salary payment as requested by government.

“The offices are, office of the HOS, SSG and AG to enable government be able to pay salaries, with the promise that alerts will start coming this evening (Friday) while we continue the strike action. Hence the three offices that was opened this afternoon” the statement added.

The Congress warned that the exempted offices would be picketed again if the state government fails to pay workers by Monday, May 15.

The statement read in full;

Attention of the State Council of Congress has been drawn to the press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Barr. Chris Ezem with the intent that the ongoing strike declared by labour has been called off.

It is a known fact that government does not have the prerogative to call off a strike they did not declare.

Therefore, the state council of Congress wish to state unequivocally that the ongoing indefinite strike has not been suspended nor called off.

Abia workers are therefore requested by the state council of Congress to continue to stay away from all their offices/working places till further notice.

It is however imperative to inform us that this afternoon, the Director of State Security Service (SSS) intervened in the face- off with government. He appealed that labour should allow government to access some critical offices that relates to salary payment as requested by government. The offices are, office of the HOS, SSG and AG to enable government be able to pay salaries, with the promise that alerts will start coming this evening while we continue the strike action. Hence the three offices that was opened this afternoon.

However, part of the agreement is that if by Monday government did not implement their promise, labour has the right to picket the offices again.

It is very important for all labour leaders to ensure that this message get across to their members through individual union platforms.

All labour leaders are requested as soon as their members begin to receive their alerts.

Please, for further inquiries call the State Secretary.

I repeat, the strike has not been suspended but still in force.

SOLIDARITY-FOR-EVER!

Com.Pst. Emma Alozie (JP).
State Secretary.