Banks, public schools, and government offices were closed in Akure, Ondo state capital, on Monday, following directives from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to workers to commence a nationwide indefinite strike.
The leadership of the workers had ordered workers to begin an indefinite strike following the May 31 deadline for the Federal Government to approve the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage
However, in Ondo state, the leadership of NLC and TUC, in solidarity move ensured workers’ compliance with directives.
Offices at the State and Federal Secretariat were shut down and deserted while public school students were turned back at the school gates by their teachers and school gates locked.
At the Governor’s office at the Alagbaka, activities were at their lowest ebb, with few workers attached to the governor’s office seen waiting at the entrance of their offices.
Most of the commercial banks did not open for business while customers were also turned back by security guards at the entrance of the banks.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Ondo State NLC, Comrade Victor Amoko, who monitored the compliance with some members of the state executive, said the strike was effective.
Amoko said, “We are receiving reports about the affiliated unions, and they are doing well, even though the strike has only just begun for seven hours. We are making good progress as all schools are closed down.
“We have made a good start. If you go out there, you will find that the majority of our public and private offices are closed, and there is no work happening. Our construction chairmen are here to provide us with updates.”
Also speaking, the TUC chairman in the state, Comrade Clement Fatuase, said that the level of compliance in both public and private sectors in the state is encouraging.
He urged members of the union to unite in the fight for the betterment of workers, saying there is no going back on the strike.
Fatuase stated that the union’s discussions with the state government, particularly regarding the exemption of WAEC and INEC officials.
“This should not be seen as a compromise, but as a consideration of their proposed timetable to complete their tasks.
“The message is, let’s fight this once and for all and win it once and for all.
“Although we met with the Ondo state government yesterday and had extensive discussions about the strike, we granted them an exemption to ensure the completion of the WAEC and INEC officials’ work,” he said.
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