BY CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

ENUGU – Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights, CDWR, has condemned alleged use of force on  workers  who protested against non-implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage by the  Enugu  State Government.

The group called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, to call his men to order and sanction a Chief Superintendent of Police, S.B Ewa, who allegedly led a contingent of armed policemen to attack the defenceless workers.

CWDR, in a statement by Chinedu Bosah, its Public Relation Officer, said: ”We strongly condemn the act of terror unleashed on the workers by policemen.

”Since Tuesday, August 16 2011, armed policemen and operatives of the State Security Service have been harassing and intimidating workers in an attempt to force them to resume work.

”On Tuesday, August 16 2011, Chief Superintendent of Police, S.B Ewa led a contingent of heavily-armed policemen and soldiers to Freedom Square where workers had gathered peacefully to illegally disrupt their activities. This forced workers to relocate to Adoration Ground.

Yet, Ewa and his armed men are daily chasing the new labour leaders for arrest and continually disrupted workers gathering. CDWR calls on Ringim to call his men to order and immediately dismiss S.B Ewa for spearheading this campaign of terror.”

It called on the national leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to support Enugu State workers on  further negotiations with the government as well as assist in the sustenance of the strike.