The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro have brokered peace between Setraco Nigeria Limited and Gbaregolor community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state over the controversial sack of some indigenes of the community by the construction firm.
Gbaregolor community was said to forced the construction firm to disengaged four of its staff on the ground that their employment which was based on community slot was over due as such they should be disengaged for other to take their turn.
Although the company had insisted that the request was against its rule of engagement, the company's management were force to sack the four indigenes, local source said adding that the issues had created bad blood in the community as a section of the community had disagreed with the arrangement, thus triggering crisis in the area.
Otuaro who had on Wednesday summoned the community representatives and the company to his office, said that the action of the community could jeopardize the peace in the area and hinder development of the area.
He said that it was counterproductive for the community to stampede the firm to sack its workers.
Setraco Nigeria Limited, represented by Chief Godspower Oporomor, said it had no basis to lay off the said staff since they had not violated any company’s rule.
The Deputy Governor who was represented by Hon. Steve Iruotor, Deputy Chief of Staff, said since Gbaregolor community had no Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Setraco on which to base its request, the concerned staff should retain their employments with Setraco.
He also advised the company to enter into an MoU with the community and present same to the government for recognition.
"Seven, eight, ten years ago Delta State was booming with various companies, because of this same attitude of company and community clashes, a lot of companies has relocated to others state of the federation.
“The Governor Okowa administration would want to encourage foreign companies, investors, multi-nationals to relocate back to Delta so that the state will begin to boom once more", Barr Otuaro added.
Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Hon. Paul Etaga commended the state government for its timely intervention into the crisis, emphasizing that the issue would have led to loss of lives and other valuables.
Etaga disclosed that similar ugly incident that happened some years back claimed several lives and pledged to ensure that the MoU will be reached by both parties in order to ensure peace, order and development in the area.
Explaining reason for the position of the community, the President General of Gbaregolor community, Mr. Benson Omorovwo, said the call for the retrenchment of the four staff of SETRACO who are indigenes of the community to replace them with others was based on the collective wish of the people and stakeholders, noting that it is was intended towards spreading empowerment to others.
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