Fayose's Impeachment Saga: Labour grounds Ekiti, banks shut

                       Banks in Ado Ekiti were again shut on Friday as organised labour took over the streets to protest against plot to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose by the 19 All Progressives Congress lawmakers of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.                The labour unions comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Joint Negotiating Council had on Thursday declared Friday as a work-free day for workers in the state’s civil service to pray for peace in Ekiti. They also declared a six-hour lockdown for public transportation in the state.
But the APC said no matter the number of labour unions engaged to embark on spurious solidarity rallies and blockade of Ekiti roads; it would not stop the lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties as affirmed by the courts.

Commercial vehicles and motorcycles were off the roads between 6.00 am and 12 noon on Friday while private car owners had a hectic time on the roads.


Workers in the state civil service adhered strictly to the stay-at-home order issued to them on Thursday as the secretariat was under lock and key when our correspondent visited the place.

Union members mounted roadblocks to ensure strict compliance with the restriction order on Basiri- Fajuyi-Old Garage- Ajilosun road, and the bank road leading to the state’s secretariat and Assembly complex.

The NLC Secretary in the State, Mr. Ade Obatoye, told journalists that the move to impeach Fayose had triggered restiveness in the state. He urged the lawmakers to allow the people to enjoy the mandate freely given to the governor.

He said, “Though, we agree with Hon. Adewale Omirin that he has the right to fight for his right, but he must wait for the outcome of the suit he instituted against his impeachment. He cannot because of this plunge Ekiti into crisis because he stands impeached until the court rules otherwise.

“The people of Ekiti did not only vote for Fayose, but the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land had also revalidated it. We appeal to the APC to wait for four years when there will be chance to elect another governor and if they can appeal to our people, they can get it back, but not the way they are presently doing.”