Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has threatened to replace any worker who fails to resume duties, emphasizing strict measures to address absenteeism.
He made this threat in less than a day into the strike action by workers in several states over the delayed implementation of the new national minimum wage,
On Sunday, the Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman in Ebonyi, Prof. Oguguo Egwu, voiced concerns about the governor’s perceived indifference to the struggles of civil servants, describing their situation as alarming.
During a live broadcast from Government House in Centenary City, Abakaliki, on Monday, Nwifuru announced that striking workers would face salary cuts and possible replacement if they failed to return to their posts within 72 hours.
“If you don’t go to work, not only that I will not pay you a salary, I will replace you within 72 hours in your office,” Nwifuru declared. “If I don’t see you in your office. As far as 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 constitution, I am not owing you. If you don’t go to work within 72 hours I will replace you. I have called the chairman of the Civil Service Commission.”
He further directed commissioners and government department heads to ensure all employees are present and to document attendance.
“I have directed all the commissioners to go to their offices. All the agencies and all the departments of government must be in their office and record the people that come to work.”
Nwifuru also outlined plans for salary payments based on attendance. “Those are the people I will pay through table payment by the number of days you attend to your duty in your office. If you don’t want to come to work. You will forget about state government,” he stated firmly.
