ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES PARALYZED IN OWERRI AS LABOUR EMBARK ON PROTEST
Economic activities were paralyzed today in Owerri following a protest embarked upon by the organized Labour in Nigeria.
The workers led by the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Ayuba Wabba and his Trade Union Congress counterpart Comrade Bobboi Kaigama were protesting the suspension of workers by the State government and alleged nonpayment of salaries to some categories of employees.
The protest termed “Operation Occupy Imo state” followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Organised labour calling on the state government to re-instate the suspended workers and reverse the concessioning of health facilities.
The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri was shut down by the protesters leaving travelers stranded while banks and government offices were closed for business.
The workers dressed in black, carried placards with different inscriptions and marched from Port Harcourt road to the government house roundabout Owerri under the close watch of security personnel.
Vehicular movement was halted for hours as the protesters blocked the Okigwe, Wetheral and bank roads.
Addressing newsmen, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and his Trade Union Congress counterpart Bobboi Kaigama said the protest was to compel the government to re-instate the affected workers.
While the protest was on, hundreds of youths gathered in front of Government house Chapel in solidarity with Governor Rochas Okorocha.
The Leader of the group Mr. Jeff Nwoha said they were happy with the achievements of the government.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Oyegun who was in the state to rub minds with Governor Okorocha on the labour unrest appealed to the parties to reach a compromise.
The State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha while reacting to the development said his actions were intended to sanitize the system and enhance productivity.
Meanwhile the organized labour and the state government have been meeting to find lasting solution to the crisis.
