Ikpeazu Warns Civil Servants Against Embarking On Planned Strike

Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has warned civil servants who are members of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against embarking on a planned strike with effect from Feb. 27 or another other day thereafter.

The governor said the issue for which the civil servants are planning a strike is still pending in court, urging them to wait for the determination of two pending suits to that effect.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barr. Eze Chikamnayo in a statement advised the affected workers to remain law-abiding and carry out their official duties.

The statement read in part, “It has been brought to the attention of the Government of Abia state, the existence of two subsisting Court Orders restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress, either by themselves, their agents, privies or otherwise called, from embarking on a strike action on the 27th day of February, 2023 or any other day thereafter, until the determination of the motion on notice served on the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Abia State Chapter of the Trade Union in the Ohafia Magistraterial District.

“Government hereby directs all civil servants in its employ to obey the said Court Order and remain calm and law-abiding while carrying out their duties.

“Government notes that a similar restraining order is still pending in the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in the Owerri Judicial Division in suit no NICN/OW/10/2021.

“The Rebuilder of Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, remains committed to the welfare of workers and will continue to interface with all relevant institutions in this regard.

“However, as a law-abiding Government, we shall not allow politicians to hijack the legitimate aspirations of our dear workers for political purposes.

“The Commissioner of Police, Abia state and other security agencies are hereby put on notice to forestall any breakdown of law and order by any individual or group purporting to be acting on behalf of Abia workers in defiance to the orders of the Courts of Competent Jurisdiction.”