The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated an indefinite nationwide strike to protest the altercation with its National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. This protest has caused a standstill in various courts and schools in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
According to a press release signed by the Chairman, Comrade Pascal Nweke, the industrial action began on Tuesday, 14th November, affecting all affiliate unions of the NLC in Abia.
Media Talk Africa’s visit to the Abia State High Court complex at Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia, revealed that the High Court and Magistrate Courts inside the main buildings were shut and inaccessible. Outside, lawyers, litigants, and judiciary staff were seen loitering, unable to proceed with their duties.
The strike also saw the involvement of teachers in various government schools, including Primary school (1) School Road Primary School, and Ibeku High School, where pupils were observed engaging in recreational activities such as playing football during school hours.
Furthermore, the staff of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Umuahia showed solidarity by also participating in the strike.
Notably, staff in some Abia State government establishments only partially observed the strike, as some civil servants were seen entering specific offices through side gates, despite the closure of certain offices.
The supply of electricity to Umuahia city was disrupted with the withdrawal of power at 11:10 AM, impacting the daily activities of the residents.
Although a significant portion of commercial banks in Umuahia operated as usual, they restricted customer access to their premises, allowing limited entry in batches. A bank customer commended a new generation bank in Umuahia at Akanu Ibiam Road for maintaining operations, expressing frustration over the recurring NLC strikes and their perceived lack of tangible benefits for the common people.
However, the customer reiterated his dissatisfaction with the recurrent industrial actions, highlighting the common sentiment that these strikes often conclude without achieving substantial gains for the average Nigerian.
Efforts to contact the Chairman of NLC in Abia State, Pascal Nweke, to ascertain the level of compliance with the strike in Abia were unsuccessful, as his phone number was unreachable.
