Works Minister standoff with workers after locking them out for lateness
On Thursday, several protesting workers gathered at the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja, as they locked the minister, Dave Umahi, inside his office for locking out workers over lateness.
The workers, who accused Umahi, former Ebonyi State governor, of highhandedness, added that the minister prevented workers who were late to work from gaining access to the ministry.
The protesting staff were chanting “Umahi Must Go”, and lamented that they reside far away and there was no way they could come to the office early.
The union members comprising the Housing and Works Ministry also blocked entry and exit into the building thereby preventing the minister from leaving the office premises.
They also claimed that Umahi “stopped engineers and directors from doing their work, and has been breaking public service rules since his appointment, by bringing in consultants to run the affairs of the ministry.”
A union official, Williams Kudi, said that the minister has refused to grant them an audience to express their concerns.
A viral video by a witness read: “This is happening live at the Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja where Engr David Umahi locked workers outside the Ministry and gave a directive that nobody should enter. The union are demanding the Minister to come and address them.”
The minister, a former Ebonyi State Governor addressed the protesters at the ministry gate saying the workers need to partner with him to make progress as he needs the workers the same way they need him.
