Gov Nwifuri Threatens To Replace Striking Workers

Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State, has threatened to fire striking workers for allegedly failing to have the state government implement the new minimum wage.

Nwifuru stated that the government did not owe the workers anything and that they would be replaced by others during a live broadcast on Monday from his office at Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki.

He said; “If you don’t go to work, not only that I will not pay you salary, I will replace you within 72 hours.

“As far as I am not guilty, I do not owe you. I am paying you what is supposed to be paid and according to the agreement and constitution, I do not owe you. If you don’t go to work within 72 hours, I will replace you.

“I have called the Chairman, Civil Service Commission. I have directed all the commissioners to go to their offices. All the agencies and all the departments of government must be in their offices and record the people that come to work.

“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, forget about the state government.”