News
ANAMCO Staff Protest Planned Shut-Down
Tension is now mounting at the multi-billion naira Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company Limited (ANAMCO), Enugu, Enugu State, as the striking workers of the company have vowed never to go back to work until they know their fate on the alleged proposed plan to close down the establishment come January next year.
Following the development the aggrieved workers have called on the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to as a matter of urgency commence investigation into the alleged financial fraud running into millions of naira against the former plant union chairman of the company, Mr. Nath Anike, and the Managing Director of AMAMCO, Jacques Gelin and some other principal officers of the Company.
According to some of the workers who spoke to newsmen in Enugu on condition of anonymity information reaching them had it that the automobile outfit has already concluded plans to close shop in Nigeria come January 2010 with a view to relocating to Germany without any arrangement whatsoever to pay them their gratuity and other entitlements.
In a petition tagged “Petition Against Former ANAMCO Plant Chairman Mr. Nath Anike”, jointly endorsed by the company’s plant Union Interim Chairman and the Secretary, Messrs Nwagbara Frank and Nweke John respectively, dated October 7, 2009, copied to the company’s chairman, Board of Directors, BPE chairman, among other officers and made available to newsmen in Enugu, the workers accused Mr. Anike of misappropriating several millions of naira belonging to both the company and the workers.
The workers also alleged that the former plant chairman, had in May 2009 misappropriated the sum of 17 million naira belonging to workers as well as another 1.3million workers pension fund, calling on all the anti graft agencies in the country to take up the matter with every sense of seriousness.
The striking workers equally made it clear that the present worrisome state of the multi- billion naira establishment jointly owned by the Federal and some state governments was occasioned by alleged massive financial fraud that has been going on in the place for quite a long time.
They, however, wondered why the company should be making plans of closing shop in Nigeria without making any arrangement on how to pay them all their benefits when as a matter of fact , they have tirelessly put in scores of years in the company to ensure its progress and sustenance.
Meanwhile, a former Chairman of Association of Senior Staff of the company, Mr. Iheanyi Ogbonna, who also spoke to newsmen accused the managing Director of the company, of conniving with some officers to loot the organization’s treasury to the detriment of the workers, as well as the state and national economy.
Ogbonna regretted that he had written series of petition to various Anti corruption agencies in Nigeria in the past without result, appealing to the incumbent bosses of the anti graft commissions to rise up to the occasion and act now, adding that he had equally petitioned the National Assembly on the matter, insisting that there is urgent need to investigate the massive financial fraud that has been taking place in ANAMCO long , he declared.
However, the workers protest and strike has completely paralyzed normal activities at the automobile establishment located at the Emene Industrial Layout near the Akanu- Ibiam International Airport , Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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