NULGE threaten Shutdown Over Chidi Lloyd's Sack of 300 Workers

Rivers NULGE Strike: 7-Day Shutdown Over Chidi Lloyd’s Sack of 300 Workers

The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Rivers State chapter, has directed its members across all 23 local government councils to embark on a seven-day warning strike. The Rivers NULGE strike officially commences from midnight on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

State President Clifford Paul announced the decision. Furthermore, the State Secretary, Sunday Adeniran, issued a circular on Monday addressing all state officers and branch chairmen of NULGE in the 23 council branches. The directive immediately requires all local government employees in the state to withdraw their services.

Cause: Chidi Lloyd’s ‘Callous and Unfair’ Dismissals

The union explained that the Rivers NULGE strike became necessary following the “callous and unfair” decision of Emohua Local Government Area Chairman, Chidi Lloyd. Lloyd allegedly denied their members salaries and again sacked over 300 workers.

In fact, this is the second time Lloyd has fired a mass number of LGA staff. During his first tenure, he sacked over 300 workers, claiming they were ghost workers.

Defiance of Governor Fubara’s Reinstatement Order

The situation escalated because Governor Siminalayi Fubara had previously intervened. After Lloyd’s first tenure, Governor Fubara directed the reinstatement and payment of the affected workers. The governor questioned the authority that empowered the council chairman to act otherwise.

However, having returned for a second term as LG chairman, Chidi Lloyd last week, again, sacked 300 workers in the council. This blatant defiance of the governor’s directive fueled the union’s decision.

NULGE Warns of Indefinite Strike

The Rivers NULGE strike President, Clifford Paul, issued a stern warning. Specifically, he stated that if Chidi Lloyd fails to pay the over 300 workers their salaries at the end of the seven-day period, the union will go on an indefinite strike. Paul insisted the union operates under the principle: “an injury to one is an injury to all.”