Abia workers suspend strike, hope on Otti to redeem campaign promise of off-setting salary arrears.
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abia State Council, has suspended its 20-day indefinite strike action.
The Leadership of Abia NLC, on Saturday, May 27, 2023, announced the suspension of the industrial action its members resumed on May 9, 2023 after an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) held a day after Labour officials had met with the Governor-elect, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.
A statement jointly signed by the Acting State Chairman of Abia NLC, Comrade Paschal Nweke, and State Secretary, Comrade Emma Alozie, explained the strike was declared against Abia State government led by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for non-payment of salaries to Abia workers, non-payment of pension arrears and gratuity and check-off dues to industrial unions.
They, however, said though the issues in dispute were yet to be addressed, the decision to suspend the strike action was taken after the SEC emergency meeting had reviewed developments since the resumption of the industrial action and after consultations with its national head quarters; interventions by many Nigerians and Abians, as well as after deliberating on the promises made by the incoming Governor, Dr. Otti.
The statement reads in part: “SEC-in-Session noted the intervention efforts of well-meaning Nigerians and Abians, both within and outside government, and the progress made so far through the strike action
“SEC-in-session also deliberated on the promises of the in-coming governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, on the contending issues that led to the strike action.
“While appreciating the commendable efforts of patriotic Nigerians and Abians who waded into the matter, SEC-in-session noted with regrets that the issues in dispute are yet to be addressed.
“However, as a law-abiding organization and in recognition of the efforts of well-meaning Abians and in consultation with the National Headquarters of Congress, SEC-in-Session resolved to suspend the strike action embarked upon on 9th May, 2023.
“Consequently, all Abia workers are hereby directed to resume all services hitherto withdrawn with immediate effect.”
While commending all Labour leaders and entire Abia workforce for their resilience and unalloyed solidarity during the period of the strike, the Abia NLC warned sternly that “no Abia worker should be victimized by his or her involvement in the strike action.”
Prior to the suspension of the strike by Labour, its leadership had met with the incoming Governor last Friday at his Isiaalangwa country home in Isialangwa North Local Government area, raising hopes that the industrial action would soon be put on hold.
The Abia NLC leadership, led by its chairman, Comrade Pascal Nweke, left the meeting with a promise to revert to Dr. Otti, after it had consulted its national leadership.
A statement by a Media aide to Otti, Kazie Uko, revealed that during his meeting with the Abia NLC leadership, Otti reiterated his campaign promise to prioritise the issue of salary payments as well as ensure that the arrears were cleared within the shortest time possible.
The meeting between Dr. Otti and the Abia Labour came barely two days after the Alex Otti Inauguration Committee had on May 24, 2023, briefed journalists on the preparation towards the inauguration of Dr. Otti as the 10th Governor of the State on May 29, 2023.
The Committee chairman, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, had called on the union to call off the strike as a sign of good faith and support to the incoming Labour Party (LP) administration.
