Probe Into Maltreatment Of Workers: Benjamin Kalu Hails Gov. Ikpeazu

The member representing Bende federal constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has applauded the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for setting up an investigative committee.

The committee is to probe the alleged exploitation and inhuman treatment of Nigerian workers by their Chinese employer Inner Galaxy Steel Company situated in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state State.

Hon. Kalu who is the spokesman of House of Representatives in a chat with our correspondent said the governor’s action is timely and welcomed.

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“The Executive Governor has acted expeditiously by inaugurating an investigative committee to immediately engage in a fact-finding mission with recommendations soon. This to me is the exhibition of true leadership. I am hoping that the committee will meet the expectations of the public who are watching closely to see that justice is done to those infringing the laws of our land.”

“Granted that the state is in need of reducing the unemployment level among the youths but we cannot destroy our youths in search of employment.”

“Whatever happened to the dignity of labour? Why has our Labour Act and what it preaches been jettisoned by foreign businesses in Nigeria? “

“The principles of an international labour organisation has been trashed by this kind of employer-employee relationship.“

“This must be frowned at and dealt with to preserve the workforce of Abia State.”

“While the federal parliament is currently dealing with issues of this nature through a joint committee based on the motion I moved on the need to investigate the business activities of the Chinese in Nigeria.”

“It is painful that these suspected ugly activities are expanding without good monitoring to check these alleged excesses.”

Recall that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had earlier set up a 9-man Investigative Committee to look into the operations of Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, with a view to ascertaining their level of compliance with relevant local and international laws.

On 12th of August 2020, a shocking article on the maltreatment of Nigerian employees by a Chinese company (Inner Galaxy Group) started trending on both print and social media platforms in Nigeria.

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The article alleged that over 1000 Nigerian workers in the Chinese company were subjected to several instances of human, labour and sexual abuse, stating the relationship between the Chinese employers and Nigerian employees was akin to that of a master-slave relationship.

Responding on behalf of other members of the new committee, the Chairman and Commissioner for Industry, Chief (Mrs) Uwaoma Olewengwa, also applauded the Governor for his rapid response to the issue which shows a high level of responsibility, and assured the Abia State Government that they will work assiduously to deliver accordingly and timely in the interest of all concerned.