Government activities were grounded in Ogun on Thursday as civil servants commenced indefinite strike over non-remittance of over 12 months deductions from their salaries.

The development followed a directive issued by the Joint National Public Negotiating Council on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the entire secretariat at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, was deserted by workers with only top civil servants including Permanent Secretaries and Directors seen at their duty posts.

NAN gathered that workers across the council areas in the state also joined in the strike, while public schools and court rooms remained under lock and key.

In some of the schools visited including African Church Grammar School, Catholic Comprehensive High School and St. Leo’s College all in Abeokuta, students were sent back home.

NAN also reports that there was the presence of heavy security personnel at the two entrances to the state secretariat.

One of the workers, who spoke with NAN under condition of anonymity, said that the strike was justifiable, insisting that the state government should settle deductions.

“The strike is justifiable, enough is enough, the governor should please settle all our outstanding salary deductions,’’ he said.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, however, told newsmen in his office, said that the strike was “illegal, politically motivated and no basis for justification.”

Adeoluwa said that the government may invoke the “no work no pay rule.’’

“Ogun is currently one of the few states in the federation that is able to pay workers salaries as at when due, in spite of the current economic downturn,’’ he said.

Adeoluwa said that the state government remained committed to the welfare of the workers in the state.