The Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, has issued a warning to workers who fail to return to work within 72 hours, threatening to replace them after their dismissal.

Nwifuru’s warning comes in response to a seven-day strike initated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi State.

Speaking to the media on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the new government house in Abakaliki, Nwifuru stated that the state government does not owe any workers.

He mentioned that the state government has approved a minimum wage of N75,000 and has already begun payment.

The NLC in Ebonyi State began a seven-day warning strike on Sunday over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

In response to the strike, Nwifuru said, “If you didn’t go to work, not only will I not pay you salary, but I will replace you within 72 hours in your office.

“If I don’t see you in your office, consider yourself sacked. So far, I am not guilty; I am not owing you.

“I am paying you what is supposed to be paid. And according to the agreement and the Constitution, I am not owing you. If you don’t go to work within 72 hours, I will replace you.

“And I have called the state chairman of the Civil Service Commission.I have directed all the commissioners to go to their offices. All the agencies, all the departments of government must be in their offices and record the people that come to work. And that is the people I will pay through table payment.

“I will pay you by the number of days you attended to your duty in your office. If you don’t want to come to work, you will forget about the state government.”