Nationwide Strike: Schools Shut Down in Ondo

Pupils and students of public schools in Akure, Ondo, were sent home on Tuesday following the NLC and TUC’s directive that workers should embark on an indefinite strike.

NLC and TUC, at a Joint National Executive Council on Monday, directed all affiliate unions and workers across the country to withdraw their services with effect from midnight November 13.

Scores of public school pupils and students were seen leaving their school premises for their various homes.

Filling stations, however, were open for business in the metropolis.

Although most offices in the state secretariat, Alagbaka, were open, workers did not attend to visitors and government business. Some banks were also opened for business, and some had their gates locked.

Wasiu Adeyemi, a bank customer, expressed disappointment in the selective attendance by the banks. He said the banks only allowed those that came for deposit, while those with complaints were not allowed entry.

“I was in the bank this morning and to my surprise, I was not allowed to enter until I told the security man in the bank that I wanted to deposit a cheque of N2 million before I was allowed,” he lamented.

Clement Fatuase, TUC chairman in Ondo, expressed optimism about the ongoing industrial action. Mr Fatuase, who explained that the strike, being the commencement, was complied with in Ondo, said other affiliate unions and workers would join the strike as it progressed.

“At least today is day one. The compliance is okay. The strike is, at least, averagely effective. Anyway, we are issuing a press release as regards the strike,” he said.

(NAN)