…MAN kicks
Following the unrestrained environmental degradation in Ankpa and Olamaboro local government areas, Kogi state House of Assembly on Wednesday, directed the Commissioner of Police and Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to seal off operations of Dangote Plc in the affected areas of the State. The House gave the order during a public hearing on activities of Dangote Group in the state, especially on the the massive exploitation , environmental degradation and non compensation to the affected owners of the land and without revenue accruing to the state government.
The Speaker, Kogi state House of Assembly, Mathew Kolawole, charged the NSCDC commandant to ensure immediate implementation pending when the ad hoc committee on revenue clarifies some grey areas. Kolawole, who lamented the environmental degradation caused by mining activities on Kogi by the Dangote group and its subsidiaries, accused the multi national business concern of making billions in the state but yet fails to give back to it. Alhaji Alico Dangote He also expressed his displeasure that the Dangote organisation has been dishonouring invitation by the House of Assembly. The Speaker that the state House of Assembly was on a fact-finding mission to ascertain at what time Obajana Cement factory rebranded to Dangote Cement Plc.
Also, the House, according to Kolawole, wanted to know when the state government’s 10 per cent share was transferred to the company. He also hinted that the legislature wants to ascertain the Certificate of Ownership and many more about the company’s operations in the state. The lawmakers, consequently, ordered management of Dangote Group to reappear before them on September 26 for further investigation.
At the public hearing, representatives of the company in Kogi, external solicitor, Liman Salihu, General Manager Logistics and Special Duties, Ademola Adeyemi and General Manager Administration, Adinoyi Haruna, were in attendance.
Meanwhile, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has berated Kogi State government for allegedly engaging armed youths to enforce the sealing of the Dangote Cement’s factory located in Obajana, describing the action as insensitive and capable of discouraging investors.
The association’s position on the matter came just as Kogi State government has presented to the public the report of the Specialised Technical Committee on the Evaluation of the Legality of the alleged acquisition of Obajana Cement Company Plc by Dangote Cement Company Limited.
