Emmanuel Thomas I October 28, 2016
Lagos, Nigeria – Over 50 people, working for Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd on Thursday protested at the premises of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unfreeze account of the company.
The workers who stormed the court during the hearing of a case between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Chief Government Ekpemupolo, Oweize and others in case number FHC/L/31/16 before Justice Buba said the action of EFCC has impacted negatively on their wellbeing.
Spokesman of the workers, Comrade Rowland Omobude said some of the workers have died due to inability of the company to pay salaries in the last 15 months due to action of the EFCC.
He called on EFCC to unfreeze the account so that over 300 people working for the company can be paid.
In a statement obtained in the premises of the court, Omobude said the entire Global Staff are working under IMO standard in partnership with Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) PPP Pilot Scheme State Flag Control and Cabotage under Nigerian Territorial waters, ensuring safety in Nigeria.
They said the agency generates revenue for the Federal Government through NIMASA. They said the company is not owned by Government Ekpemupolo and wondered why the account should have been frozen.
“We hereby appeal to the federal government through the Minister of Transport and NIMASA to come to our aid and pay us our outstanding salary of 15 months. Our families are suffering”, the group said. Meanwhile Justice Buba has adjourned the matter to December 13 and 14 for hearing.
