SACKED 3,000 WORKERS: NLC insists Imo’ll be shut down
NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday
insisted that there would be a total shut down of Imo State once the 14-day
ultimatum issued to the state government to recall the 3000 sacked workers and
tackle their unpaid salaries and other benefits expires.
The Imo State government is alleged to be
owing workers of the state’ agencies including Imo State Water Corporation and
Imo State Transport Company, between three and 15 months salaries and other
benefits.
President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and
Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Mr. Igwe Achese, a member of the 6-man action
committee set up by NLC to handle the Imo crisis, told Vanguard that all
measures had been put in place for the planned action.
Achese who is also a Deputy President of the
Joe Ajaero-led faction of NLC, said: “Like we made it clear when we handed down
the ultimatum on Friday, January 22, once the ultimatum expires, we will take
action and there will be a total shut down of the state. You are aware that
both factions of Congress are on the same page in the issue because an injury
to one is an injury to all. It was in that regard that a meeting of leaders of
the factions in Abuja, set up a 6 man action committee on Imo which I am a
member.
“We have it very clear that once the action
starts, we will stop fuel and electricity supplies, banks and shops will be
closed among others.
” Recall that the Ayuba Wabba faction of NLC
at its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting last Friday in Lagos, warned
that Imo would be used as an example to others, saying “Congress resolved that
any state governor who violates the sacred duty of regular payment of salaries,
gratuities and pensions will incur the wrath of workers.Congress also resolved
to mobilize to any state that retrenches workers because workers should not be
made the scape goats of the downturn in the economy. The benefits of political
employees are not touched. They are paid regular huge sums that are not even
approved by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
“In line with the Congress’ philosophy of an
injury to one is an injury to all, Congress also resolved to mobilize to Imo
State to shut it down as a response to Governor Okorocha’s consistent
anti-labour policies, impunity and retrenchment of workers, in spite of his
promises to the leadership of the Congress that he would not take such
decisions. Congress also resolved to take a national action in respect of Imo
if necessary.
“Congress notes that Governor Okorocha has raised
a private militia which he has armed to the teeth and they are at present
inflicting injuries on innocent workers. Congress considers this as illegal and
resolves to make a report to the IGP, warning that in the event that Okorocha
violates the law by unleashing the militia again on workers, there would be
consequences.”
