LG Councils Record Low Turn Out …As Workers Resume After Strike

Normalcy has returned to the 23 Local Government Area Councils of Rivers State as workers who proceeded on a 3-day warning strike last Monday resumed yesterday, although the resumption was characterized largely by low turn-out.
The Local Government workers had proceeded on a 3-day warning strike last Monday – Wednesday, declared by their Labour Union – the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to press home their demand for the rescinding of the decision made by Rivers State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi that health workers salaries should be deducted at source at JAAC to Primary Health Management Board for payment to them.
NULGE State President, Barr. Franklin Ajinwo, at the end of the Union’s state executive Committee (SEC) meeting on Wednesday called to review the 3-day strike, had directed the workers to resume work yesterday and go about their lawful duties while the union awaits government’s reaction to its demand that prompted the warning strike.
“The strike was very effective. Didn’t you (the press) go round the Councils to see things for yourself? The strike was very effective. SEC met and urged workers to resume work”, he told journalists.
The Tide survey of some of the Councils yesterday, including Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor and Emuoha shows that the workers who ensured total compliance with the directive to proceed on the strike have also complied with their union’s directive to resume work, although most of the Councils recorded low turn-out of workers – some of which closed before the official closing hour of 4.00pm.
Also, The Tide’s interview with the NULGE Chairman of Andoni, Etche, Omuma and Ikwerre Councils affirmed that the Councils gates that were under lock and key while the warning strike lasts, have now been flung open and workers have resumed in earnest.
When The Tide visited the Port Harcourt City Local Government Secretariat yesterday, at about 1.40pm, workers were seen in their hundreds – some in their offices performing their official duties while others milled around the compound discussing the just – concluded warning strike, wondering what would be the aftermath of the strike.
Ajinwo, at his post – NULGE SEC meeting’s briefing Wednesday evening at the NULGE Consulate indicated that having had a successful warning strike, an indefinite strike may not be declared immediately because SEC resolved to give government time to meet its demand.

Justus Unye-Awaji