The Committee of Inquiry set up by the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, to probe the issue of dissension arising at the Inner Galaxy Group, a Chinese firm in the state, has concluded its public investigation into the matter.
Recall that the Galaxy Steel Company Limited was recently accused of operating a modern-day slave camp in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.
The Chinese company was accused of operating the alleged slave camp in its facility at Umuahala, Obuzor Asa area of the state.
It, however, denied such claims, an action that led to the state government initiating a committee of inquiry to probe the allegation
However, a statement by the state government the committee met with workers of the company and they opened up on their issues.
The statement reads: “kicked off the probe with a preliminary meeting with the Inner Galaxy Management and their legal team, where the Committee directed them to make available all relevant record books of the company relating to the areas of inquiry and complaints received.
“Subsequently, the Committee also had similar meetings with concerned government agencies and individuals both at the Federal and State levels.
“Afterwards, the Committee held a public hearing where different members of the public and concerned organisations came and testified against/for the company.
“Lastly, the Committee visited the company to ascertain all they have heard and make their own findings.
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“During the visit to the Inner Galaxy Industrial Park, Ahala Ukwu Village, Umuahala Community, Obuzor Ukwu, Ukwa West L.G.A., Abia State, the committee members were taken to different places of interest; the factories, the company’s Clinic where they met some of the company’s workers admitted and receiving treatment, the cafeteria, newly built lavatory, hostels and other places.
“The Committee rounded off the visit with an exclusive Town Hall Meeting with workers of the company where the top management of the Company were excused from participating which enabled the workers to bare their minds freely with no fear of victimization.
“The Committee will now retire to the final bit of its assignment by collating reports of her findings and presenting a report and recommendations to the Governor of Abia State.”
