Posted by From HENRY CHUKWURAH, Port Harcourt on
For the people of Rumukurushi, a Port Harcourt suburb in Rivers State, all is fair in warfare. This is particularly so when dealing with a "stubborn" corporate guest that is reluctant to do things your way.
For the people of Rumukurushi, a Port Harcourt suburb in Rivers State, all is fair in warfare. This is particularly so when dealing with a "stubborn" corporate guest that is reluctant to do things your way.
After several failed efforts to get one of the companies operating in the area, Ciscon Nigeria Limited, to respect and implement an agreement entered into by both parties a long time ago, the community resolved to go the "native way" in resolving the matter.
Precisely, on Monday, June 30, it mobilised its womenfolk for a peaceful demonstration at the company's premises.
As a back-up, the community's Juju Chief Priest, Chief John Ihunwo and his assistant were included in the protest.
Apparently to ensure easy access, the women clad in black blouses on "George" wrapper, and the Chief Priest made their way into the company's premises as early as 4 a.m.
For effect, the Juju Priest, holding a black fowl in one hand and a small pot in another, stationed himself and his scary idol at the main entrance to the company before workers of the oil and gas services company reported for day's duty.
Expectedly, the strategy worked! Very few of the company officials bothered to read the placards of their uninvited guests before literally begging for truce.
Few hours later, the organiser of the protesting women, Mr. Sunny Amadi, who doubles as the Chairman of the community's youth organization, came out from the negotiation room to announce that the game was worth the candle after all, as the company has agreed to play ball.
According to him, their host willingly agreed to reserve the post of Human Resources Manager, messengers and cleaners for the community's indigenes.
Also in the kitty for the community are four university scholarships for its indigenes and the construction of some development projects by the company.
Looking back, it was clear the strategy paid off and very well, too.