Governor Nwifuru Threatens State Workers with Dismissal Amid NLC Strike in Ebonyi

Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to state employees to return to work or face dismissal. He warned that workers who fail to comply will not only forfeit their salaries but will also be replaced in their positions.

The governor’s directive comes in response to a seven-day warning strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State chapter. The strike, which began on Sunday, was reportedly initiated due to the state government's alleged failure to implement the new minimum wage.

Speaking to reporters at the new Government House in Centenary City, Abakaliki, on Monday, Governor Nwifuru stated that the state owes no salaries and has already begun implementing the minimum wage of N75,000.

Addressing the striking workers, he said: “If you don’t go to work, not only that I will not pay you salary, but I will replace you within 72 hours in your office.

“If I don’t see you in your office, consider yourself sacked. So far, I am not guilty; I am not owing you. I am paying you what is supposed to be paid. And according to the agreement and the Constitution, I am not owing you."

He further directed commissioners, heads of agencies, and civil service departments to monitor attendance closely. “All departments must record the people that come to work, and only those who attend will be paid through table payment,” he added.

Governor Nwifuru emphasized that salaries would be calculated based on attendance. “If you don’t want to come to work, you will forget about the state government,” he said.

The NLC in Ebonyi has not issued an official response to the governor’s statement at the time of this report.