I work for a construction company in Port Harcourt owned by 2 Lebanese
brothers. I work as one of the two Administrative staff. I was employed
two years ago and the very first thing I noticed about the place was the
care - free manner the Lebanese people smoke.
They smoke all kinds of
things openly in the office not minding the health implications on other
staff. I also noticed the total lack of respect that those people have
for us Nigerians. They told me stories of how they insult people, throw
all kinds of objects at them and I even heard they physically fight
them. I always thought it was funny and I never ever thought that I'll
be a victim of such horrible, barbaric and slave-master attitude from
these people. I am a BSc degree holder in accounting and I am being paid
#30,000 plus I have to work on Saturdays too.
On Friday last week I
requested for permission. I informed the workshop manager that my
friend would be wedding the following day(Saturday). He said I should go
directly to the MD of the company a dental request for permission
myself. I said no, that nobody goes directly to him knowing his very bad
attitude and lack of respect for everyone and besides he's the MD and
shouldn't be bothered by such trivial issues.
So I proceeded to go to
the wedding on that Saturday thinking my request had been granted or at
the most I would be marked absent on that day. I returned to work on
Monday and I was stopped at the gate. The security people said the MD
told them not to let me in. When I asked why, they said it was because I
didn't come to work on Saturday. I was so shocked. In any case I begged
and pleaded but I was advised to go home and come back the following
day (yesterday) and beg him to let me continue working. I went to the
office early and waited for him to come and then I started begging him.
The moment he saw me he started insulting me. He said I was useless and
ungrateful. I kept on begging. He came close to me and gave me a hot
slap on my left cheek. I never in my widest dream expected to be slapped
by any person whether boss or not. I was so furious that it took God's
grace not to beat him up. I knew if I beat him up I won't have a good
case against him.
So I insulted him and stormed out of the office. I
reported the case at the police station. They invited him to make his
statement and my dad (who doubles as my Lawyer) is handling the issue. I
am going to make sure he will never forget this experience. He would
pay heavily for this and other crimes he has committed against innocent
Nigerians. He was so shocked and I could see some fear in his eyes at
the police station. He never expected anyone much less the very quiet
boy who sits in a corner of his big company to drag him to police
station and to sue him to court.
The Lebanese, Indians and Chinese
are fond of maltreating we Nigerians. Even his Lawyer confessed that
they see us as slaves in our own country which is a very terrible
situation. Many Nigerians are afraid of standing up for their rights
when these people treat them badly. I'm writing this long message to
encourage people to always stand up for their rights and never let
anyone or situation intimidate them. I would love to hear from anyone
that has gone through similar situations before.
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