Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC,Wednesday advised users of fuel in Imo state to seek alternative means for the supply of the product on account of its ongoing action against the anti-workers activities of the government.
The union also implored electricity users to seek other options outside the national grid, while travellers to Imo state through the Airport should look for other alternatives
Declaring the action on Wednesday,President of NLC,Comrade Joe Ajearo,saidthe union’s action was propelled by the 20 months salary arrears owed to some workers stigmatised as ghost workers,declaration of about 11,000 workers in the state as ghost workers even while they were physically at work and diversion of their salaries,intimidation and harassment of Trade Union leaders and continued use of thugs and instrument of violence against workers in the state as was furthered in the terror of Tuesday
According to him,the union took the action on account of the impoundment and illegal diversion of Union dues in the state,declaration of about 10,000 pensioners as ghost pensioners and refusing to pay them for over 22 months leading to the death of many,harassment and intimidation of the entire workforce with constant threats of violence and sack,as well as resort to blackmail and falsehood through the Information Commissioner of the state whose infamous role as an attack dog of the administration has not only scuttled reasonable and effective social dialogue but has also brought the state to ridicule.
He added:”We are resolved to press home our demands and until these infractions are remedied, we will continue escalating the industrial action till the government is compelled to show reason and restore meaningful and effective dialogue in the state.
“NLC calls on the federal government to use whatsoever may be at its disposal to protect the lives of the citizens and workers in Imo state. The actions and inactions of the state government are capable of turning the state into a ghost state and this must be avoided.
“The actions of the federal government would go a long way in ensuring that sanity is restored and the people free to participate in social activities without fear and intimidation”
