The African Democracy Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has vowed to seek justice for workers in Emohua Local Government who were recently sacked by the council chairman, Hon. Chidi Lloyd. The move comes after the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Rivers State directed its members to proceed on a seven-day warning strike over the dismissals.
According to reports, Chairman Lloyd had previously dismissed the workers during his first tenure, describing them as “ghost workers.” However, they were reinstated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara during a period of political crisis in the state. Upon his return after the recent local government election, Lloyd fired the workers again, prompting the strike action.
The strike was suspended following Governor Fubara’s intervention. In a statement, ADC Chairman Chief Sampson Leader condemned the sackings as “heartless” and criticized the action as a demonstration of the government’s disregard for the well-being of Rivers state citizens. He noted that such actions are characteristic of an oppressive regime and pledged that the ADC would fight for justice and liberation.
The ADC chairman acknowledged Governor Fubara’s swift intervention in suspending the strike and warned that any further abuse of power would be met with resistance. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by local government workers in Rivers State and the need for protection of their rights.
The Rivers State government has faced criticism over its handling of labor issues, and the ADC’s stance is seen as an attempt to hold the government accountable for its actions. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the ADC’s demands and whether a lasting solution can be found for the affected workers.
The ADC’s vow to seek justice for the sacked workers reflects the ongoing tensions between the government and labor unions in Rivers State. With the state’s economy already facing challenges, the dispute has significant implications for the welfare of local government workers and the overall stability of the region.
