Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has warned workers to resume their duties within 72 hours or face termination.
He further stated that any workers who fail to report to work will be immediately replaced after their dismissal.
This ultimatum follows a seven-day warning strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ebonyi State chapter. Speaking to reporters on Monday at the new Government House in Centenary City, Abakaliki, Nwifuru emphasized that the state government is not in arrears with workers’ salaries.
He also reassured that the government has approved the N75,000 minimum wage and begun making payments.
The NLC in Ebonyi State launched the strike on Sunday over the delay in implementing the new minimum wage. Reacting to the strike, Nwifuru made it clear that workers absent from work would not receive any salary. He also warned that such workers would be replaced within 72 hours of their absence.
“I you fail to return to work, you will be considered sacked,” Nwifuru stated, asserting that his government has fulfilled its obligations. He confirmed that workers will be compensated only for the days they are present at work.
The governor directed all commissioners and heads of government agencies to ensure their offices are fully staffed. He ordered that attendance records be maintained to determine who is present for work. Nwifuru concluded by stating that workers who refuse to resume their duties will lose both their positions and their pay.
