STAFF OF PEACOCK PAINT PROTEST ALLEGE MISMANAGEMENT OF FUNDS BY BILLY ETUK LED BOARD
Workers of Ibom paints limited, producers of Peacock Paints owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, last friday protested the non-payment of seven months salaries of workers, the retirement of workers without benefits, staff appraisal, leave grants, hazard allowance and mismanagement of funds release by Akwa Ibom State Government reports Cradle TV.
This is just as they seized the company’s secretary, Barr. Edet Inyangidim and the managing director’s official cars resolving that the company board of directors made up of Engr. Billy Etuk as board Chairman, Barr. Edet Inyangidim as board Secretary, Mr. Nsudoh Nsudoh, and Mr. Sam Ebe should be dissolved on grounds of financial misappropriation.
Addressing Journalists during the peaceful protest which took place at the company’s premises in Etinan Local Government Area of the State and the company depot at Uyo, The Chairman National Union Of Chemical Footwear Ruber Leather and Non-Metalic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE), Comrade Emmanuel Robinson disclosed that the present management of Peacock paints under the leadership of a Senior Pastor of Insight Bible Church, Pastor Aniefiok Essien and the present board of directors headed by Engr. Billy Etuk is running the company without a human face showing insensitivity to the welfare of workers.
He said for the past seven months the company staff have not received their salaries but are working tirelessly for the success of the company while the managements of are cruising around with the companies facilities.
“We work tirelessly for the success of this company, delivering sprawling millions of Naira contracts awarded to our company across the state especially the just concluded isolation center in Uran Local Government area and many others.
” It is disheartening to note that the running capital released to the company from the Ministry of Trade and Investments running into nine figures was misappropriated, how can one budget five hundred thousand Naira to service air conditioner in the company but yet staff are not paid”.
Robinson decried that since the present management came on board, staff issues have not been given priority attention.
“Since they came on board, their preoccupation has been retirement without any terminal benefit, no staff appraisal nor promotion, no increments for years now not to talk of leave grants. Here in the company, there is no provision for safety measures for our staff, no protective wears, and hazard allowance.
On his part, Comrade Christian Sampson who spoke on behalf of the company’s senior staff said his colleague cannot continue under such a working condition, he moved a motion for the total lockdown of the company pending on when the state government will be called for their rescue.
High points of the events included a motion for the confiscation of the company properties from the management of the company including vehicles, the total lockdown of the company and a called on the state government to dissolve the management board.
Culled from Cradle TV via Opera
