Anambra Workers Angered by Governor Soludo’s Absence at May Day Rally, Accuse Him of Avoiding Tough Questions

Anambra State workers expressed disappointment and frustration on Wednesday over the absence of Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the annual Workers’ Day rally held at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. The Governor’s decision to skip the event sparked criticism and protests among the workers.

Soludo was represented by the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, but his absence did not go unnoticed. The workers, initially refusing to participate in the customary parade, expressed their dissatisfaction with Soludo’s leadership and his perceived lack of interest in their concerns. Chants of “No” echoed through the square as organizers appealed to the workers to proceed with the parade.

One of the key grievances is the absence of any interaction between Soludo and the state’s workforce since he became governor. The workers believe Soludo intentionally avoided the event due to a list of demands presented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). They argue that he is not a worker-friendly governor.

Despite the initial resistance, the workers eventually participated in the parade, albeit reluctantly. The Deputy Governor, in his address to the workers, attempted to ease tensions by assuring them that their grievances would soon be addressed.

“Governor Soludo, as a worker-friendly governor, is aware of your plights,” said Dr. Ibezim. “You will definitely hear from him soon.”

Earlier, the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, outlined a list of demands from the workers, including a call for the suspension of the contributory pension scheme. Nwafor criticized the improper introduction and implementation of the scheme, stating that deductions made from workers’ salaries were rarely remitted to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA).

“The organized labor is dissatisfied with the continued deduction even after the reoccurring May Day prayers by organized labor requesting for the suspension of the scheme,” he said.

Comrade Nwafor urged the governor to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure industrial harmony in the state.