Federal workers shun nationwide protests in Oyo

Scores of federal workers in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, disregarded the directive by organised labour to boycott work in protest against fuel subsidy removal and its hardship on Nigerians.

The organised labour under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had called for nationwide protests on Wednesday.

Some workers were however seen at their respective offices at the Federal Secretariat Complex at Ikoloba in Ibadan, without any hindrance or harassment from any quarter.

Although the gate of the secretariat was closed, security operatives on duty opened it only for the workers to get to their offices.

Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the complex, Sunday Dipeolu, said his job was to protect the complex, the workers, and everyone entering the building for lawful businesses.

Dipeolu said 42 federal ministries, agencies and parastatals were occupying the complex, adding that he was bound to secure them.

He stated that he has no power to drive out any worker who decides to come to work.

The CSO said the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola, had earlier visited the secretariat to assess the situation of things.

Some of the workers said they were federal workers, noting that it was only the federal government that could direct them to stay away from work or join the protest.

Meanwhile, state workers continued with the protest at the entrance of the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

The workers commenced the protest on Monday over issues relating to payment of salary deductions, leave bonuses, and upward review of pension allowances.

Security operatives, comprising the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were stationed in strategic locations within Ibadan metropolis to maintain law and order.

Such locations included Mokola roundabout, Agodi-Gate, Dugbe junction, NLC secretariat, government secretariat, and University of Ibadan main entrance, among others.

Although both private and commercial vehicles were observed plying the roads without any disturbance, commercial banks within the city were under lock and key.

Workers were, however, denied entry into the state High Court, Magistrates’ Court, Family Court, and the Election Petition Tribunal as their gates were locked.

The Star

Segun Ojo