By Joseph Kingston
The alleged refusal of the mobile communication company, Globacom, to pay N360 million as compensation to families of victims of a fallen mast, which killed two persons at Odukpani of Cross River state, may culminate in legal actions if threats from the people are anything to go by.
On March 19, this year, a mast, said to be the property of the communication giant, collapsed on buildings and people at Odukpani, killing a primary six pupil whose name was given as Laurencia John Etok, and one Earnest Adindu Finecountry, besides destroying a number of houses with property.
Shortly after, the community was said to have entered into an understanding with Globacom to pay the amount to the victims’ families, but the people said nothing had been done so far.
Speaking to journalists on the issue, the Chairman of Odukpani local government council, Hon. Bassey Asuquo Eyo, said the community would drag the company to court as all efforts to get the communication giant to pay the N360 million had met a brick-wall, adding that “only the court can adjudicate on the matter.”
He said: “The leadership of the council guaranteed the security of Glo’s staff and property by signing a Memorandum of Understanding before the Commissioner of Police, but Glo has since refused to respond in spite of several appeals.”
“The tactics they employ is to select few people without the knowledge of the council’s leadership, and then attempt to bribe them with pittance. We are putting things together to seek redress. The deceased have not been buried because their families have no money. Glo must abide by the terms of the MoU or face litigation.”
Also speaking, the chairman of the compensation committee, Mr. Ameh Edet Asuquo, said the alleged failure of Glo to pay the agreed compensation was generating tension, adding, “I was one of those who signed the MoU, but if the people decide to take the laws into their hands, nobody should hold me responsible.”
However, in a quick reaction, an official of Glo network who preferred anonymity refuted the community’s claim, saying that the company had released cheques to some affected families in the community, while some of them were yet to come forward.
