Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has threatened to replace workers on strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage. In a live broadcast, he stated that workers would be dismissed within 72 hours if they refused to return to work, emphasizing the state's commitment to paying agreed salaries.
In a stern warning to striking workers in Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru threatened to replace those participating in the ongoing strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage. Speaking in a live broadcast from his office in Abakaliki, Nwifuru dismissed claims that the state owed workers, asserting that salaries were being paid as agreed.
The governor emphasized that workers who continued their strike would not only forfeit their salaries but would also be replaced within 72 hours. He further directed the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and all state commissioners to ensure their departments were fully operational, with staff attendance closely monitored. Nwifuru stated that payment would be based on the number of days employees attended work, warning that those refusing to report for duty would have no claim to government benefits.
The strike was prompted by dissatisfaction with the implementation of the new minimum wage, but the governor remained firm in his stance that the state had met its obligations. He made it clear that his government would not tolerate any disruption to state functions, reinforcing that absenteeism would not be tolerated. With the 72-hour deadline looming, the outcome of the stand-off remains uncertain.
