The Civil Service Union in Nigeria says it would not hesitate to force the state governors to pay workers as and when due.

The National President of the union, Comrade Kiri Muhammed Shuiabu gave the warning in Ilorin yesterday while speaking with The Herald.

He observed that the problem of unpaid salaries was very common in the South East, adding that even when things were going on well, South East governors never paid minimum wage.

He noted with displeasure that the state governors were not ready to make any sacrifice in the face of the present economic predicament in the country. He said "we are telling governors to cut the cost of governance. Despite the present economic situation, state governors have not cut their salaries and allowances; no governor has reduced the number of Special Assistants and Special Advisers.

"But, the civil servants' salaries are not being paid under the guise of present situation and this is very unfortunate. Beside, who caused the problem? When things were going well, who squandered billions of dollars?

"We will block any state that failed to pay workers salaries like we blocked Imo state.

He said the most unfortunate aspect of the situation was unpaid dues of pensioners who had worked meritoriously for the nation.

He said the only way government at all levels could have direction was to cut the cost of governance and focus on human capital development with a view to moving the country forward.

The union leader however threatened that they would not hesitate to take any legal means to demand for workers' legitimate rights.