The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has warned government workers participating in the ongoing strike over the new minimum wage to return to their duties within 72 hours or face immediate dismissal and replacement.

Governor Nwifuru made the announcement on Monday at his office in Abakaliki, the state capital, while addressing the industrial action led by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Oguguo Egwu. The strike, which began following a directive from the NLC’s national leadership, demands the implementation of the November 8, 2024, wage increment for workers across Ebonyi State.

Nwifuru, however, criticized the strike, claiming the National Assembly’s bill only mandated a minimum wage and did not approve a maximum salary scale or widespread salary increases. “The National Assembly didn’t pass a bill for salary increments, only for a minimum wage. I have been paying the new minimum wage since October, so I was surprised to see this strike action,” he said.

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The governor emphasized that his administration has been up to date with workers’ salaries, pensions, and gratuities. He labeled the strike as an unnecessary disruption of public services driven by “personal interests overriding public interest.”

In his stern warning, Nwifuru directed all government offices to maintain attendance registers, which will be used to track and pay only those who report to work. “I have instructed all ministries and government offices to keep attendance registers. Workers who come to work and sign will receive their salaries, while those who refuse will not be paid,” he declared.

He also distanced himself from negotiating with Comrade Egwu, stating, “On the issue of negotiation, I don’t think I will because Comrade Egwu is not my worker.”

The governor’s ultimatum has escalated tensions between the state government and the labor union, with observers waiting to see how both sides will respond within the critical 72-hour window.