By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved the sack of the state Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Ford Ozumba.
Ozumba’s sack is contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, on Saturday, in Owerri.
He said the sack of Ozumba as Labour Commissioner is with immediate effect.
Though no further details was given, Ozumba’s sack is coming amidst the face-off between the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Imo State Government.
While the sack may not be unconnected with the impasse, Uzodimma directed Ozumba to hand over all government property and documents in his possession to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Productivity immediately.
metrowatchxtra reports that the NLC had threatened to commence a total shutdown of Sam Mbakwe Airport, part of National Grid that supplies electricity to Imo and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) service in Imo State in protest against ill-treatment to workers by the state government.
NLC listed among the reasons for its industrial action to include; “20 months Salary arrears owed to some workers stigmatised as ghost workers. Declaration of about 11,000 workers in the state as ghost workers even while they were physically at work and the diversion of their salaries.
“Intimidation and Harassment of Trade Union leaders; a witch hunt carried out in different guises. The continued use of thugs and instruments of violence against workers in the state was furthered in the terror of yesterday.
“Impoundment and illegal diversion of Union dues in the state. Declaration of about 10,000 pensioners as ghost Pensioners and refusal to pay them for over 22 months led to the death of many. Harassment and intimidation of the entire workforce with constant threats of violence and sacking.”