The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has vowed to shut down Imo State over the sacking of workers in the state.
This was contained in a communiqué released on Sunday, January 31, 2016 and signed by its president, Ayuba Wabba, and general secretary, Peter Ozo-Eson.
The NLC accused Imo Governor, Rochas Okorocha of raising a private militia which he has armed with the purpose of attacking workers if they decide to stage an industrial action against his government.
“Governor Okorocha has raised a private militia which he has armed to the teeth and they are presently inflicting injuries on innocent workers,” the statement said.
“Congress considers this as illegal and resolved to make a report to the IGP, warning that in the event that Okorocha violates the law by unleashing the militia again on workers, that would be consequences.”
The Labour union also vowed to move against any state government that refuses to pay workers salaries during the national cash crunch, saying the salaries and allowances of political officials were being constantly paid.
It said, “Congress resolved that any state governor who violates the sacred duty of regular payment of salaries, gratuities and pensions will incur the wrath of workers.
“Congress also resolved to mobilize to any state that retrenches workers because workers should not be made the scapegoats of the downturn in the economy.”
NLC further added that it would “mobilize to Imo state to shut it down as a response to Governor Okorocha’s consistent anti-labour policies, impunity and retrenchment of workers, in spite of his promises to the leadership of the Congress that he would not take such decisions. Congress also resolved to take a national action in respect of Imo if necessary.”
