Federal workers shun nationwide protests in Oyo

Hundreds of federal civil and public officials in Ibadan ignored an organised labour instruction to boycott work in protest.

Organised labour, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), called for statewide protests on Wednesday over the removal of fuel subsidies.

A journalist who visited the Federal Secretariat Complex in Ikolaba, Ibadan, noticed personnel at their different offices without any impediment or harassment from any side.

Although the secretariat’s gate was closed, security personnel on duty opened it solely for workers to get to their offices.

Mr. Sunday Dipeolu, the facility’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), told NAN that his responsibility was to secure the complex, the personnel, and anyone entering the premises for legitimate business.

Dipeolu stated that the complex was occupied by 42 federal ministries, agencies, and parastatals and that he was obligated to secure them.

He claims he has no authority to fire any worker who shows up for work.

According to the CSO, the state Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola, had already visited the secretariat to examine the situation.

Some of the employees told NAN that they were federal employees and that only the federal government could order them to remain home or join the protest.

Another worker, who wanted anonymity, stated that organised labour was only a union of workers, not his employer.

Mr Solomon Adedire, Head of Building Department, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, stated that he received no direction from his employer to join the protest or remain away from work.

Adedire, who stated that he and some of his coworkers were at their duty posts, also stated that some chose not to work, most likely due to dread of the unknown.

Meanwhile, state workers protested at the entrance to the state secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

The workers began their strike on Monday over issues concerning wage deductions, leave bonuses, and the upward revision of pension allowances.

To preserve peace and order, security forces from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed in strategic areas throughout Ibadan.

Among these were the Mokola roundabout, Agodi Gate, Dugbe crossroads, NLC secretariat, government secretariat, and University of Ibadan main entrance.

Although both private and commercial automobiles were seen driving on the roads without incident, commercial banks in the city were closed.

Workers were also refused access to the state High Court, Magistrates’ Court, Family Court, and Election Petition Tribunal because their gates were shut with security presence.

Workers were also refused access to the state High Court, Magistrates’ Court, Family Court, and Election Petition Tribunal because their gates were shut with security presence.

NAN