Workers in Ebonyi state, eastern Nigeria were among the odd men and women who heeded the strike call by the Nigerian Labour congress to protest the recent hike in pump price of petrol. In many parts of Nigeria, labour was ignored.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) local, state and federal governments offices were locked in Abakaliki while workers gathered in groups discussing the situation.
The gates of the state secretariat and the office of the Head of Service (HoS) at Amagu and Nnorum streets were locked while the staff loitered outside the secretariats gate.
Armed police men were also seen milling around the two complexes housing many government organisations to maintain law and order.
Similarly, the High Court complex was locked and cases slated for hearing were put off as members of the Judicial Service Union (JUSUN) joined in the strike.
Meanwhile, Mr Ikechukwu Nwafor, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi chapter, in an interview with NAN, said that the strike was in compliance with the directive of the National Secretariat.
According to him, labour will not call off the strike until government meets its demand.
“Well the strike has just started and there is massive compliance by the Nigerian workers and the civil populace.
“Our position is that government must reverse the increment and engage the organised labour and other critical stakeholders in the petroleum sector in dialogue before any hike will be accepted,” Nwafor said.
Workers who spoke to NAN urged government to reverse the hike in electricity tariff and fuel pump price to alleviate the hardship to the people.