From Henrietta Ashikodi/Umuahia
Following series of complaint from the people of Umuahala-Obuzor, Ukwa West LGA about Inner Galaxy Steel Company, owned by Chinese,
Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has charged the company to evolve initiatives that can contribute positively to the socioeconomic growth of the host communities and the State in extension.
Governor Otti was speaking during a meeting with the management of Inner Galaxy Steel Company and the Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council held at the Governor’s Nvosi residence.
He noted that he received a petition written by the Traditional Rulers Council of Ukwa West against the company, sited in Umuahala Obuzor, Ukwa West LGA, alleging acts of employees abuse and non performance of corporate social responsibility by the company.
The Governor said that the matter involving the company showed that there was no good communication between the company and the host communities.
“Successful companies set up a host relations department, some people call it community relations, who interface between the company and the host community”.
“It is not very good for it to be reported that you have not sat down with the leadership of your host community and if they write you letters you ignore those letters”.
“The truth about it is that if the community is not there, you cannot exist. If the community is in turmoil, your business will be in turmoil, no matter how much of security agencies you surround yourselves with”. Governor Otti stated.
He urged the management of the company to conduct an internal audit to find out the exact amount their staff are being paid to address the issues being raised about the minimum wage it pays.
The Governor said that the government’s resolve to broker peace between the company and the host community relied on its determination to encourage businesses in the state.
He however said that the continued operation of the company in Abia would be based on its good behavior and in playing by the rules, respecting the host community, carrying out its cooperate social responsibility and paying taxes accordingly.
The Governor stated that under his watch, Abia State Government would not tolerate any form of non-compliance to government directives.
He said that his administration would follows due process in addressing every matter and called for a meeting to give fair hearing to all the parties involved but warned that he would not tolerate any form of disrespect to government directives.
“The reality is that, if the government gives an instruction and it is not carried out, I will shutdown the place.
“I don’t joke, but I follow due process and this is the due process that we are following, by saying that the Mayor should coordinate periodic meetings between the company and the host communities.
“The issues raised must be discussed in the meetings and the parties must comply. If they do not comply, I will bring out the big stick and nothing will happen.
“I am sure they have seen our government. It is a very serious minded government. We don’t cut corners, so if you are supposed to do something, you do it.
“Somebody was trying to pollute the waterway in Umuahia, I shut down the company and everything until they complied:.
“The first thing to do is to listen to people and then give them room. So, you assume that everybody is innocent until they prove themselves guilty”.
“We cannot pass a guilty judgement without giving them opportunity to fair hearing. I will not even tolerate it. Otti disclosed.
Discover more from The STATESMAN Newspaper
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Post Disclaimer
THE STATESMAN NEWSPAPER make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the stories hereon as the statements are purely of the news makers.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from THE STATESMAN NEWSPAPER.
Contact:
