Why Workers Locked Minister, Dave Umahi Inside His Office | READ DETAILS
Ministry of Works, Abuja workers on Thursday, turned against the minister for Works and former governor of Ebonyi State, Engineer David Umahi for not allowing them access into the offices for resuming late to work.
Umahi had locked out over 300 workers for resuming work after 9:30AM. The workers who were locked out for over four hours resorted to an impromptu protest and locked the minister inside his office, refusing him exit.
The workers demanded that Umahi apologise to them noting that many of them had to come to work from far distance even with the current hardship in the country.
However, after the gate was opened, the workers, comprising of both Housing and Works ministries, refused to enter the ministry and resorted.
Umahi later apologised to the workers refuting clams that he gave orders for them to be locked out.
Speaking to newsmen, one of the workers’ said;
“The minister, upon resumption around 9.30am, instructed security officers to lock the gate.
“Over 300 staff members, including some directors, were asked to stay outside and even when we tried to enter, the gate men said it was on the order of the minister and nobody should enter the premises.
“Eventually, we had to call our colleagues who were already inside to inform them of what had happened. They came outside to join us, blocked the road and everywhere became rowdy.
“Even the Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had to turn back because of the crowd.
“After about four hours, the minister came down to address us, apologising that he didn’t give any directive.
“The union leaders had put off the lights so no one could do anything and that’s why everyone had no choice but to come outside.”
Another staff said;
“To me, it was insensitive for the minister to have done such a thing even though he denied it. Everyone in the country is just managing. Most of our workers stay very far from town and it is sad all of these happened today.”
