Strike, sit-at-home grind government, commercial activities in Anambra

Government activities, commercial institutions and markets were shut down in Anambra State Monday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s strike coincided with the sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

However, many people could not readily differentiate between the sit-at-home and the NLC’s strike action.

The government offices, particularly the state secretariat in Awka, were under lock and key. Courts and the state House of Assembly were also seen locked, with workers hanging around.

In Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state and environs, the traders stayed away from the markets including the Onitsha Main Market, obeying the weekly Monday sit-at-home declared by the IPOB.

Humphrey Nwafor, chairman of Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), said that the state recorded 90 percent compliance in the ongoing nationwide strike over minimum wage.

Nwafor also said: “The strike will continue until the Federal Government responds to our demands. Picketing is also ongoing across the state according to directive from the national body.

“To be honest with you, I am very much delighted with the Anambra workers’ total compliance. The picketing will continue until 6pm to ensure that no office is open for any administrative business.”

BusinessDay observed that banks and petrol stations were also under lock and key in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has said that it would do everything within its legal framework to protect workers who wished to disregard the NLC’s order.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, said: “Following the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike by the NLC is illegal and premature, the Anambra State Police Command reiterates the command’s commitment to enforce the legal recommendations and calls for caution to prevent a breach of public safety and peace.

“The Command understands the right of organised labour to engage in such actions to advocate for the interests of all workers, but notes the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities.

“The Command has deployed police operatives to different strategic areas, tasked with the responsibility of preventing any miscreants from using the opportunity to cause any breach of public safety and peace in the state.

“To this end, the Command encourages the good people of the state to go about their lawful businesses and be law-abiding, vigilant, and security-conscious. Also, in the event of needing security service or to report any security-related incident.”