ONE of the 16 Indian workers of the Delta Steel Company, DSC, Delta State, who, last week, embarked on a 12-hour hunger strike over their pay off, Mr. Ashok Bhute, Monday, declared a total hunger strike.
In a notice he pasted on the company’s notice board, Bhute, who worked in the Steel Melting Shop, before his resignation, vowed not to call of his total hunger strike until his entitlements were paid.
He said: “With deep pain in my heart, I hereby declare hunger strike.” He added that in the event of death while on the hunger strike, the management of the company should be held responsible, while his remains should be handed over to his family in India for burial.
He added that the Indian High Commission in Nigeria and other relevant authorities had been informed of the action, which was a personal decision to push the management of DSC to pay his entitlements to enable him return to his country.
Besides Bhute, about 15 other Indian workers, who resigned their appointments with the company continued, yesterday, with their hunger strike.
Acting Public Affairs Manager of DSC, Mr. Kes Agbosa, said when contacted that the management was doing everything possible to address the plight of the Indians on hunger strike and other challenges facing it.
A source confirmed to Vanguard that the reason Bhute gave for his total hunger strike, which commenced on September 25, was “full and final dues settlement” by the company.
He reportedly stated in his notice of hunger strike that the management had failed to keep to the commitments it gave the workers four months ago, among which were immediate payment of full and final dues, guarantee of graceful exit and settlement of all dues within a stipulated period.
The distressed Indian worker said management of DSC knew that they had a specified time to return to India and the delay in settling their dues had caused them grave pains.
According to him, most of the affected Indian workers are the breadwinners of their families and their current ordeal in Nigeria had thrown their families in quandary.
He said his life would be in danger as a result of the total hunger strike he had embarked upon, but added that he had no option than to take the decision.
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