The group, in the petition, urged the ICC prosecutor, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, to investigate collective punishment and crimes against humanity on workers owed salaries, a statement issued by the Executive Director of SERAP, Mr. Tokunbo Mumuni, said on Thursday, July 7.

“We are seriously concerned that non-payment of workers’ salaries by several state governments in Nigeria has made life impossible to live for the workers and their families," the petition said.

“We also urge you to bring to justice anyone who is responsible for the inhumane acts committed against Nigerian workers and prohibited under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to which Nigeria is a state party.”

It further stated that government workers have suffered “severe deprivation, mental and physical health challenges" due to delayed payment of their salaries.

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SERAP added that individual liability may attach to governors who continue  to allegedly hide behind the excuse of ‘limited allocations from Abuja.’  It said the workers deserve the fruit of their labour.