By; USMAN NASIDI, Kaduna.
The Coalition of Unpaid Closed Textiles Workers Association Kaduna State, has called on the Federal and Kaduna State governments to as a matter of urgency, come to their rescue by settling their unpaid entitlements to enable them secure a better life for their children.
Speaking during an organized peaceful rally at the Kaduna Textiles Limited (KTL) environment on Thursday, the workers expressed worries over the long silence that is killing them on daily basis, since the closure of the industry over 20 years ago.
According to the Chairman, Comrade Jeibe Wordam Simdik, the textiles industry in Kaduna and some parts of Nigeria fully contributed to the economic growth of the nation.
He added that since the closure of these textiles mills, they have faced many ugly challenges which include, poor medical health, children education, broken marriages and their wives and children have become street hawkers and beggars for feeding.
“Our workers have become rent tribunal customers for non-payment of rents.
In view of the above, many of our workers and family die under frustration Therefore, we are calling on all well meaning Nigerians to apply mercy and justice to our plight.
“Reopening all closed textiles in Nigeria which includes Kaduna Textiles Limited, Arewa Textiles PLC, NORTEX Nigeria Limited, and FINETEX Limited, will create job opportunities for the teaming youth and limit insecurity in Nigeria.
“Our present leaders who have led us for more than 20 years, which legacy have they left for our children, for refusing to pay our entitlements after putting in several years of service,” Comrade Jeibe said.
According to him, President Muhammad Buhari promised textiles industries that all will be revived, but it proved abortive. The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai promised the revival of closed textiles during his campaign promises in 2015 and 2019, but all provef abortive.
“We are calling on Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum and leadership of the National Assembly to tamper mercy and justice to pay us our terminal benefits and gratuities.
“We are calling on the owners of all this closed textile industries to pay us our benefits so that we and our families know we belong to a well meaning society in Nigeria,” he stressed.
Finally, the members under the coalition, pledged that the entire textiles workers vowed to use their personal voters cards (PVCs) for those that will consider them now ahead of the 2023 general elections.
