Oyo State judiciary workers on Monday joined the nationwide strike as directed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The customary and magistrates’ courts, state and federal high courts, and the Court of Appeal in Ibadan did not sit due to the strike.

Although the gates were locked, some workers were seen dressed casually around the court premises, hanging out.

Saheed Amoo, the chairman, Oyo State Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), said the union’s national headquarters directed members to join the strike.

“We’re complying with the directives from our national president; being part of NLC, we must obey them; there’s no work, and no court will sit until further notice,” Mr Amoo stressed.

Banks along the Challenge and Ring Road axis also closed to their customers who were observed standing in groups outside the bank premises.

Also, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) office was also under lock as customers and staff were seen standing outside.

Similarly, activities were paralysed at the federal and state secretariats in compliance with the directives of the labour unions.

The main gate of the federal secretariat in Ibadan was under lock and key, while security patrols from the Nigeria Police Force were seen stationed close to its entrance to maintain peace and order.

A private security guard, who preferred anonymity, said no worker was permitted to enter the secretariat premises, as the few who came early in the morning were asked to return home by union leaders.

At the state secretariat, the entrance was manned by men of the Nigeria Police Force and Amotekun, with their vehicles positioned strategically.

The main gate was, however, open for anyone to access the secretariat, while the access road from the flyover was under lock and key.

The strike was partially observed, as some workers were seen doing skeletal duties in their offices.

Some of the workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were on ground to do one or two things, though they acknowledged that the strike was still on.

Some Amotekun personnel were strategically stationed in front of the state House of Assembly, with their vehicles on ground. 

(NAN)