Public institutions in A’Ibom State shut over nationwide strike

Ini Billie, Uyo

Public institutions across Akwa Ibom State have been shut over the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other affiliated unions.

Findings revealed that all banks, schools, government offices, ministries and Federal and State Secretariats in Uyo, the state capital were shut, just as the roads were empty owing to reduced human and vehicular traffic.

State leaders of the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) gathered before the locked gates of Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat to enforce the strike.

Reacting to the strike, the Chairman of TUC, Mr Dominic Abang said the labour unions in the state had joined the strike and it is total.

However, the leadership of the NLC in the state has exempted schools and students currently writing the West African School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at different examination centres across the state from the strike.

In a press release signed by Comrade Alpha J. Marshall, State Secretary for Organised Labour, Akwa Ibom State, the union said the strike would not affect school principals and exam supervisors involved in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examinations.

“The planned Nationwide Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC will NOT affect those students who are currently writing WASSCE at different Examination Centres across the state.

“Given the reason above, the examination will go on as scheduled, therefore, school principals, exam supervisors, parents/guardians and the general public should please take note,” he stated.