Civil servants in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria, have downed tools, as part of an industrial action, paralysing government businesses across offices in Abeokuta, the capital of the state.
The action is in line with directives of labour leaders whom had asked them to hold their services until the government paid their cooperative deductions and contributory pension being owned by the state government.
A visit to the government offices at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, revealed that workers largely complied with the directive.
The government while describing the action as irresponsible, however, asked the striking workers to show understanding, especially in the face of the ongoing financial challenges.
The government said the challenges had denied it the chance of adequately fulfilling its financial obligations.
Pupils from public primary and secondary schools in Abeokuta, the state capital were turned out from their various schools while government offices are virtually empty, as workers abdicated their duty post in compliance with the directives of the labour leaders.
The situation at a state owned general hospital located at Ijaye area of the state’s capital was not different, as doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners have commenced a week warning strike to press home their demands for a better conditions of service.
Despite the health workers’ strike, patients and their relatives still thronged the hospital for services that are not there.
The State government through the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, while reacting to this development described the action as uncalled for, saying that the government has not foreclosed further negotiation with the striking workers.
He, however, appealed to them to “cooperate with the government, especially at this trying time of economic recession”.
While these industrial actions by doctors and the civil servants continue, it is suggested that the government and the leaderships of these striking workers should put the interest of the general public above their personal interests.
