Ministries and schools in Anambra were closed down on Friday as the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), commenced its indefinite strike following non-payment of entitlements owed to workers by government.
Negotiations between the NLC and Anambra State failed last week as both parties could not reach any agreement on the lingering cat and mouse game between the two.
Labour had in December 2008, issued a 21-day ultimatum and later 14 days and seven days which expired on Thursday before the strike was declared.
At Government House, Awka, members of NLC had stormed the seat of power in a protest match but were blocked by security operatives who insisted that they were acting under instructions though workers had already abandoned their offices.
At the state secretariat and other ministries and parastatals, reporters monitoring the strike met empty offices that were under lock and key.
Primary and post primary schools owned by state government also dispersed students and pupils at about 8:30 a.m. in compliance with the action.
Apparently angered by the indefinite strike, Governor Peter Obi on Friday alleged that workers under the employment of government are out to run his government down, while calling for a meeting of the Elder’s Forum.
In a statewide broadcast, the Governor described the strike as politically motivated, adding that since the inception of his administration salaries of workers have been increased three times compared with other past regimes in the state.
"Already, in the streets some known criminals have been spotted dressed as NANS members and forcing workers from their offices.
Was it overnight that they printed the T-shirts in support of their misadventure? A word is enough for the wise. The NLC leadership should call off its misdirected action and return to constructive engagement. I wish to strongly make the point that no employer pays salaries that are above its income. These times call for reason and patriotism. For this, I am calling a meeting of Anambra stakeholders, traditional rulers, town union presidents and religious leaders in order that our dear state will be saved from the evil designs of charlatans.
"The strike action embarked upon today by the Anambra State Chapter of the NLC betrays their poor reading of the current parlous state of both the Nigerian and the global economy. It has also come in spite of all the genuine efforts made by government to dissuade the NLC leadership against the industrial action. The conclusion to draw from this action by organised labour is that it is politically motivated," Obi declared.
He further contended: "The NLC should not compromise its integrity by falling for the manipulative tendencies of political renegades who clearly do not wish Anambra State well. Political charlatans who wish this administration no good should not be allowed to hide behind the screen of industrial action to cause avoidable confusion. I urge parents to dissuade their relations from becoming tools for the implementation of a negative political agenda in our peaceful and stable state."