Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
The Kogi State Government has sued Dangote Cement Plc over the ownership of the state’s Obajana Cement Plant.
Peace talks between Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, resulted in the state’s stance.
The peace talks informed the National Security Council yesterday that an agreement had been reached between the two parties to reopen the plant in the interest of the workers.
Kogi State Information Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo said in a statement yesterday that at an emergency meeting on Thursday night, the state government and stakeholders representing the state’s various ethnic groups decided to go to court on the matter.
He stated that this was “in the best interests of the people and future generations.”
Fanwo said that during the Thursday night meeting, the Governor made it clear that the state’s resolve to reclaim its asset was unwavering, even as he pleaded for calm in the interest of peace.
“This is not a battle for Governor Yahaya Bello or his administration,” he said. It is about the people of Kogi State.
“In the last 72 hours, well-meaning Nigerians, leaders, and government officials have waded in and pleaded with the Governor to reopen the plant while negotiations continue.”
“We want to reassure the over 4 million Kogites that the Governor and the Government of Kogi State will not jeopardize the people’s interest in reclaiming their rights in the cement company.”
“A series of high-powered meetings were held to resolve the impasse,” the NESG warns, “including meetings with the Governor and Alhaji Aliko Dangote in attendance.” There were discussions, and declarations of interest were made.
“However, no agreement has been reached because some desperate parties are attempting to mislead the public through the media.” We will be nonviolent in our approach because we are confident that the people will find green paths to success in this battle for our dear state’s economic future.
“However, we maintain that in this case, the people of Kogi State’s collective asset must be protected and reclaimed.” That is the procedure that the government has initiated.
“We will fight this battle until the courts rule in our favor.” A committee cannot resolve this dispute.”
The plant, according to FG, must reopen.
The National Security Council (NSC) discussed the matter yesterday and concluded that the disputed plant should be reopened in the best interests of the workers.
Police Affairs Minister Maigari Dingyadi told reporters after the NSC meeting that an agreement had been reached to ensure the re-opening of the plant in order to allow for peace on the matter.
“An agreement has been reached in Kogi between the Kogi State Government and Dangote Cement on the need to reopen the factory and ensure peace in the state,” he said.
The government is committed to providing job opportunities to its citizens rather than closing factories, which will result in job losses, and we hope that the parties involved will respect this agreement and reach an agreement in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed by the parties involved.”
According to Dingyadi, the agreement was mediated by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the President’s Chief of Staff.
“The council has taken note of the development in Kogi and has ordered the reopening of the closed cement factory; has advised that all issues relating to that industry or factory be resolved legally; nobody must take the law into their own hands, whether as a government or an individual,” Aregbesola said.
“We are committed to ensuring and providing employment for Nigerians, so anything that stands in the way of that must be discouraged.” As a result, Obajana’s cement industry must be reopened, and all outstanding issues must be legally resolved.”
