Workers shun Okorocha’s directive on three-day work period

Workers in Imo State yesterday defied the directive by the state governor, Rochas Okorocha, that they should use Thursdays and Fridays to go to farm, after working from Monday through Wednesday, while Saturdays be utilised as social engagement day.

A visit yesterday by the reporter to some offices showed that the workers obeyed the order of their leaders in the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which opposed the directive. They were seen in their offices, protesting against the governor’s instruction.

In an interview with The Guardian, the State Chairman of the NLC, Austin Chilakpu, said the governor’s directive, as viewed by the congress’ leadership was “unconstitutional and against the International Labour Organisation’s convention.”

He said the governor did not consult labour before giving the directive.

But in a statement yesterday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, urged the union to show understanding, adding that the governor meant well for the state.

It reads: “Following the reported reaction of the leadership of the state chapter of the NLC over the ‘Back To Land For Agriculture’ programme of the government, which has also led to the public servants in the state being directed to work from Mondays to Wednesdays and use Thursdays and Fridays to farm, the Governor, Rochas Okorocha has sincerely appealed to the NLC leaders in the state to show understanding over the new policy.

“The NLC leaders were reported to have ordered the workers in the state to ignore the directive.

“The workers were directed to come to work from Mondays to Wednesdays and use Thursdays and Fridays to farm except those on essential duties like the teachers, nurses, doctors, political appointees and IGR personnel. The workers were not asked to go home to stay idle. And if they dutifully engage in farming, that will not only help their individual economies but will also boost the economy of the state.