Gov. Okpebholo Intervenes As Workers Of Chinese Owned Company Protest Death Of Colleagues

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has intervened as workers of a Chinese company embarked on violent protest after five staff died within a month.

It was gathered that some of the deaths were caused by electrocution, while others died after falling from a crane at Rongtai Building Materials Nigeria Limited, in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

A section of the firm was reportedly razed by the protesters and over 20 vehicles and motorcycles  destroyed.

Following the violent protest by workers and some community youths over the death of a forklift operator at the company, the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, was forced to visit the company.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Okpebholo called on the management of the company to strengthen safety measures to protect workers.

“What happened here came to me as sad news, and the incident is condemnable. An establishment of this nature should not be attacked like this.

“The protest was triggered by anger over the death of a young man who was a staff member of this company. Our culture values life and prosperity, and I advise you to ensure the safety of your staff.

“Security and safety measures should be put in place. If you had a clinic here, what happened would not have happened.”

Okpebholo who expressed satisfaction that the company was already building a clinic, has commenced the process of purchasing an ambulance, and was recruiting doctors, also urged the company to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility to the host community.

“For the sake of CSR [corporate social responsibility], just fix the bad road to discourage hoodlums from attacking vehicles coming into your company. Criminals take advantage of bad roads to cause havoc.

“As a government, we are sorry for the loss of lives and property. I am glad that you have over 8,000 workers here, and I believe you will employ more,” he added.

The Governor disclosed he had discussed with the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, on the need to establish a police post and provide accommodation for officers at the company.

“Let it be like a semi-barrack to protect the area because we have a whole community here. Having 8,000 workers here is no joke,” he stated.

Responding on behalf of the company, Huang Shibin, who commended the Governor for the visit, said the organization had been fulfilling its CSR but alleged that some community elders had received large sums of money from the company without allowing the benefits to reach other members.

Huang appealed to the Governor to help improve security around the company and create a conducive environment for business to thrive.