By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has issued a stern 72-hour ultimatum to civil servants to resume work or face immediate dismissal.
The governor’s directive came during a press briefing held at his office in the New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, on Monday.
This development follows the one-week warning strike declared by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over allegations of the government’s failure to implement the national minimum wage.
Governor Nwifuru, addressing the situation, insisted that the strike lacked justification, as the state government is not indebted to workers. He emphasized his readiness to replace any staff who fails to comply with the directive.
Also Read:New Minimum Wage: NLC Ebonyi Begins 7-Day Warning Strike
“If you don’t report to work, not only will your salary be withheld, but you will also be replaced within 72 hours. I have called on the chairman of the Civil Service Commission and directed all commissioners, agencies, and departments to monitor attendance in their offices,” Nwifuru stated.
The governor further declared that only workers present in their offices would receive payment, which would be made through table payments based on attendance records.
“I am not guilty of any wrongdoing. I am paying salaries as agreed and within constitutional provisions. If you refuse to resume work, you can forget about the state government,” he added.
The NLC leadership in Ebonyi State, led by Ogugua Egwu, had earlier accused the state government of bypassing due process in the implementation of wage increases and failing to adjust salary charts to reflect the NGN30,000 minimum wage introduced in 2019.
The union further raised concerns about unpaid salaries for local government workers and teachers, confusion in the payment process, and the requirement for workers to pay NGN2,100 to participate in a staff audit.
Responding to these concerns, Governor Nwifuru clarified that local government workers’ salaries are managed by the local government chairmen due to the autonomy granted to them. He also disclosed that the NGN2,100 audit fee would be thoroughly investigated.