News
Akwa Ibom Govt threatens to sanction foreign firm for maltreating indigenous workers
The Akwa Ibom State Government has issued a warning to Sterling Global Petrochemical Company, an international oil prospecting firm operating in Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obollo local government areas, regarding reported mistreatment of local workers.
The state has mandated the company to provide the employment status of all individuals working on its projects, including expatriates, or risk having its license and land revoked.
Chief Assam Assam, SAN, the Director General of Government Business and former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia and Belarus, who chairs the mediation committee between the oil firm and the affected communities, issued this warning on Monday. He was responding to allegations of the company’s disrespect and non-compliance with worker engagement rules.
Assam emphasized that any employment of Akwa Ibom workers must meet globally accepted conditions, whether in public or private sectors. He criticized the company’s insensitivity and use of military intimidation, stating the government will not tolerate actions that treat Akwa Ibom residents as second-class citizens.
“Sterling Global must learn from Governor Umo Eno’s labor-friendly approach and act as a responsible corporate citizen. Failure to comply will result in the state government revoking the land granted to the company. We will not accept our people being reduced to slaves in their own land. We need to see the list of your employees to ensure no arms are imported under the guise of equipment,” Assam stated.
He further warned that non-compliance would lead to the revocation of all licenses and land grants, and the expulsion of unverified expatriates from the company’s facilities.
Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, criticized Sterling Global for its irresponsible operations, disregard for court orders, and refusal to engage with the state government to resolve ongoing issues.
Mr. Okon Okon, Executive Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, revealed that Sterling Global has not paid any tenement or PAYE taxes, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade taxes.
Transition committee chairmen for Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obollo LGAs lamented the hardships inflicted by Sterling Global and praised the state government for intervening as the situation had become intolerable.
When asked to provide the staff list, Sterling Global’s Human Resource Manager, Mr. David Walker, admitted he did not have it with him but mentioned that 3,710 people are employed on the company’s projects. Walker presented the company’s conditions of service but clarified it did not include the positions and salaries of expatriates, as these are only for nationals.
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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