Awka – The indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) did not hold as expected as commercial and social activities progressed unhindered.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored the situation, reports that most civil servants reported early at their various offices.
A visit to the Jerome Udoji Secretariat and Government House both in Awka, showed that workers were in their various offices while many others were outside the buildings in groups discussing the issue.
One of the workers, who simply identified herself as Mrs Evelyn, said she had to report to work because she understood the strike was stopped by a ruling of the Industrial Court on Tuesday.
Evelyn said she would have joined the action, if it was not illegal.
Another public servant, who spoke on condition of anonimity, said she was at the secretariat but his office was under lock and key.
Secondary and primary schools opened but classes were apparently not serious as students were seen playing and loitering in the streets.
When NAN visited the office of the Head of Service, Mr Harry Uduh, he was not on seat to comment to comment on the situation.
Meanwhile, vehicular movement was normal in the capital city, Awka, and people went about their normal activities.
Similarly, commercial banks were operating freely while those located within the government secretariat were shut due to the uncertainty at the place.
Officers of security agencies including, Army, Police and Department of State Security Services were strategically positioned while others on patrol, to ensure peace and order.
NAN reports that there were no public rallies or protests as at the time of filing the report.
Meanwhile, organised labour in the state chaired by Mr Jerry Nnubia of the NLC were still holding a joint session as at noon.
Meanwhile, Bank workers and customers in Lagos ignored the call by a faction of NLC that workers should go on strike on Wednesday as banking activities remained normal.
A correspondent of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited some banks in Lagos reported that they all opened for business.
She, however, reported that security was beefed up at bank premises on Marina and Central Business District (CBD) on Lagos Island as heavy police presence was noticed there.
Normal activities were also reported in banks in Ojuelegba, Mushin and on Ikorodu Road.
Some of the workers told NAN that they resumed as usual as early as 7.00 am.
They said that some customers, who were not sure of the situation, arrived before the opening time of 8.00 am.
A staff in one of the banks said his bank had kept on assuring customers that the bank would open to customers.
“You can see by yourself that activities in our branch are normal, we are law abiding organisation”.
At another bank, a customer said that she was surprised that various banks opened.
“First, I was in doubt if banks would open because of the speculation that a faction of the NLC would stage a protest today.
“But believe me, activities are normal, but just that security is tight probably because of the fact that miscreants may want to take advantage of the situation.
Another customer said he was happy that banks opened as he was scared of keeping money in his shop.
Lagos workers defy strike
Lagos State workers on Wednesday defied the call by the organised labour to embark on a nationwide strike over hike in pump price of petrol.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most workers were at their duty posts as early as 8.00am at the state secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
The state government had on Tuesday warned residents not to partake in the strike following the ruling of the National Industrial Court in Abuja barring NLC from proceeding with the industrial action.
Some workers interviewed said they were directed to come to work or else will be queried.
The motor parks in the secretariat were full while there was normal banking activities at the two banks located within the secretariat.
Visitors were seen coming in and out of the secretariat without any hindrance.
