Activities at Gboko Local Government Secretariat in Benue State came to a halt on Thursday after workers shut down the council premises as part of the ongoing strike action directed by the Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
The workers reportedly locked the main gate of the Secretariat and gathered in large numbers to demonstrate solidarity with the industrial action.
The NULGE chairman in Gboko, Comrade John Yongu, who addressed workers at the Secretariat, urged them to remain united during the strike.
According to the protesting workers, they are yet to receive their March and April salaries and have not been given any convincing explanation regarding the delay.
The workers lamented that the prolonged salary situation had subjected them to financial hardship at a time when many Nigerians are already struggling with the economic effects of fuel subsidy removal and the rising cost of living.
Some of the workers also criticised the administration of Hyacinth Alia, alleging that local government employees have continued to face welfare challenges under the current economic climate.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Hon. Barr. Torseer Yina, were unsuccessful as of press time. Calls placed to his phone line were reportedly neither answered nor returned.
The strike action is expected to affect administrative activities and public services within the local government area pending further developments.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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