*Task Works Minister to wade in, take action
The Northern Youths Consultative Council of Nigeria (NYCCN) has noted with grave concerns the alleged recent and continuous acts of assault, intimidation, and inhumane treatment of Nigerian workers on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway by Mr. Gandhi and under the Project Management of Infiouest International Construction Company, led by Project Manager, Mr. Fadi Fares.
In a statement signed by its
National Vice President, Danjuma Bulus Akolo, the group vowed to barricade the Abuja office .of the contractor if there is no redress within seven days.
“According to credible reports reaching us, the Project Manager, who by training an Accountant and lacks the requisite capacity and qualification to superintend a project of this magnitude, has resorted to using his office and staff under him to harass and assault Nigerian staff.
“It is even more alarming that the said Project Manager and his staff have been deploying unknown security operatives, including personnel alleged to be from the Nigerian Army, to intimidate workers on site, in total disregard for their fundamental human rights and dignity as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement said.
NYCCN v said it iews these actions as barbaric, inhuman, and a direct affront to the Nigerian people who have entrusted Infiouest International with the sole responsibility of constructing a strategic national asset the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
They therefore, demanded that authorities of Infiouest International Construction Company, as a matter of urgency, investigate these allegations and immediately sack the Project Manager, Mr. Fadi Fares, Mr. Gandhi, and all core accomplices involved.
“They have demonstrated gross incompetence and a lack of respect for Nigerian workers. This action is necessary to protect the integrity and sanity of the company,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Engr. David Umahi, CON, was called on to wade into the matter.
” If INFIOUEST INTERNATIONAL fails to take decisive action within 7 days of this statement, we appeal to the Honourable Minister to review and possibly disengage the company from Abuja-Kaduna Expressway project. No company that cannot respect Nigerians and their fundamental human rights should be allowed to continue handling public infrastructure funded by taxpayers,” they demanded.
They urged the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Human Rights Commission to commence an independent investigation into the working conditions and conduct of the project management team.
“It has come to our attention that the Project Manager allegedly used some Nigerian Army personnel to carry out these assaults. We therefore call on the Chief of Army Staff to immediately:
a. Investigate and sanction the officers and men who were used to assault Nigerian citizens.
b. Order the immediate return of all phones and other gadgets forcefully collected from the victims.
c. Ensure that all victims who were wounded receive immediate medical treatment and that adequate compensation is paid to them without delay.
“The Nigerian Army is a respected institution and must not be used to perpetrate acts of brutality against law-abiding citizens.
“NYCCN believes in due process. There are channels for resolving workplace grievances. Resorting to assault and intimidation is totally against the culture of our nation and the law,” the group said.
“Should INFIOUEST INTERNATIONAL fail to act within the 7-day ultimatum, the Northern Youths Consultative Council of Nigeria, alongside other youth organizations across the nation, will have no option but to mobilize and barricade the company’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja to demand justice for Nigerian workers.
“We have given this company our roads and our trust. In return, we demand respect, professionalism, and the protection of the rights of Nigerian workers.
“Nigerian lives and dignity are not negotiable,” the statement concluded.