Ekiti Workers Defy NLC Directive, Return To Work

There was low compliance on Tuesday, September 5, with the nationwide strike directive of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Ekiti state as workers resumed their normal duties.

Our reporter who visited the Government Secretariat observed that civil servants turned up for work at different ministries, and departments while few offices were under lock and key.

At the ministries of Justice, Health, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, workers were seen at their duty post as as early as 8am without any hinderance.

Apart from civil servants, health workers in public health institutions across the states reported to work contrary to NLC’s directive.

A civil servant who spoke on anonymity attributed the low complaince to the directive to poor mobilization as large number of workers were oblivious of the strike.

He said the strike in the state might not be successful because Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been prioritising workers’ welfare and civil servants are not ready to take any action that would strain the existing peaceful relationship.

He added that Ekiti workers no reason to join the nationwide industrial action as the government had rolled out palliatives measure to soften hardship occassioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

He stated: ”Why are we going on strike and what will be the effects. At the end of the day, we may end up losing. Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been so good us. We have never had it so good before. I think we need to thread softly.”