Ondo Workers Comply With Labour Directive, Shut All Gov’t Offices

Workers in Ondo State on Monday joined their counterparts across the country to observe the strike to press home demand for increased minimum wage and reversal of recently increased electricity tariffs.

LEADERSHIP correspondent who went round Akure, the state capital metropolis and environs, observed that government offices, schools and courts, among others were under locks and keys.

Also, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state moved round all the government offices to enforce compliance of the industrial action.

However, private schools, some banks and other private sectors are in full operation as of the time of filling this report.

Speaking with journalists shortly after going round to monitor compliance, the Chairman of NLC in the state, Comrade Victor Amoko, expressed satisfaction with the level of workers’ obedience to the order.

Amoko who reported that there has been total compliance with the strike, added that both the public and private sectors are effectively shut down in Akure.

He said, “We are receiving reports about the affiliated unions, and they are doing well, even though the strike has only just begun for 7 hours. We are making good progress as all schools are closed down.

“We have made a good start. If you go out there, you will find that the majority of our public and private offices are closed, and there is no work happening.”

The TUC Chairman in Ondo State, Comrade Clement Fatuase, also expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance in both public and private sectors in the state, describing it as encouraging.

Fatuase also urged members to unite in the fight for the betterment of workers.

He added that the union’s discussions with the state government, particularly regarding the exemption of West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, should not be seen as a compromise, but as a consideration of their proposed timetable to complete their tasks.

“The message is, let’s fight this once and for all and win it once and for all. Although we met with the Ondo State government yesterday (Sunday) and had extensive discussions about the strike, we granted them an exemption to ensure the completion of the WAEC and INEC officials’ work,” he said.