By hector obinna
The running battle between the staff of Imo State owned Imo Transport Company ITC, under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical And Recreational Services Employees AUPCTRE, and Government over the leasing of ITC to Global Ginikana Services Ltd has assumed a new dimension.
The workers have gone to court to seek redress as a Federal High Court in Owerri, has summoned the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Global Ginikana Services Ltd, Imo Transport Company Ltd, and the Attorney-General of Imo State.
In the originating Summons in suit No, FHC/OW/CS/31,2013, the court gave the Defendants “30 days after service of this summons on them inclusive of the day of such service, cause an appearance to be entered for them to this summons issued upon application of plaintiff by Abiodun Kolawole, Legal Practitioner of Livy Uzoukwu, SAN”.
The plaintiff, among other prayers are asking the court to determine if the Governor of Imo State, (3rd Defendant) by himself or through officers of Imo state has the power or competence to interfere in the affairs, management or administration of ITC, following the provisions of section 37 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
The Workers also want to know if Management Lease Agreement executed on Nov 4th, 2011 between Ginikana and Imo State Government did not compromise the corporate personality of ITC as guaranteed by section 37 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and therefore unlawful, illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
The workers are claiming among others that the leasing of ITC to Ginikana be declared null and void, an order of court setting aside the agreement, and perpetual restraining “the Defendants, Servants or privies from any manner whatsoever or however continuing to use, rely or give effect in the said agreement.”
