Ini Billie, Uyo
Commercial banks and public institutions in Akwa Ibom State, were on Tuesday shut over the strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
A visit by our correspondent to bank locations in Uyo along Wellington Bassey Way, Abak and Aka roads revealed that Access Bank, First Bank, United Bank for Africa, Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, Polaris Bank, Heritage Bank, Ecobank, and Suntrust Bank among others were shut, while customers where either using the ATM or prevented from entering the banking hall.
Activities were grounded in the state secretariat where NLC locked the gates of the secretariat where they stationed for the strike and used private cars and union buses to barricade the entrance.
Public institutions like the University of Uyo were also part of the strike as the town campus of the institution was bereft of its usual activities.
When questioned on his participation in the strike, former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU), Prof Ashong Ashong stated that as a member of the union, he was part of the strike.
“I am a unionist and I am participating in the strike,” he said.
While speaking, State Chairman, NLC, Comrade Sunny James urged workers to ensure strict compliance with the directives of the National body to find lasting solutions to the economic hardship facing Nigerians following the fuel subsidy removal in the country.
James described the warning strike as “successful”, saying NLC had mobilised all units to participate in the strike.
Reacting to the non-participation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the strike, the Chairman said “I do not have any business with them and they do not have any business with us”.