Controversy trails closure of Dangote Cement Plant in Kogi
…State Assembly orders closure — Kogi Commissioner
…7 staff shot — Dangote Source
There was controversy yesterday over the shutdown drama of Dangote Cement factory, Obajana in Kogi State by the administration Governor Yahaya Bello. This follows claims and counter claims by the State Government and officials of Dangote Cement who refused to disclose their names.
The State Government claimed there was jubilation by youths over the closure of Obajana Plant following refusal of Dangote management to respond to summon by the State House of Assembly over agitation by Kogi indigenes on the questionable circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the company.
However, unofficial source in Dangote Cement alleged that with no previous information, the State Government invaded the plant yesterday with 500 Vigilante operatives that shot seven workers and injured several others receiving medical attention in hospitals.
The Kogi State Government in a statement received by Nigerian NewsDirect claimed that the State House of Assembly ordered the closure of the company following investigation into the Cement factory’s operation. The outcome according to the State Government revealed that no valid acquisition of Obajana Cement Plant by Dangote Cement.
The State Government claimed that jubilant youths, who had trooped to the company on hearing the news of the closure, chased workers away but were stopped by Kogi officials, who promptly waded into avoid damage.
The youths claimed that the Company had neglected the community they are making billions from, despite the fact that residents are dying from illness as a result of pollution.
The State House of Assembly alleged that Dangote, upon invitation by the Assembly, requested for more time but did not appear at the House to show any evidence to the contrary.
The Commissioner for Information in the state, Kingsley Fanwo, while responding to journalists’ questions, said, “Pursuant to the Constitutional authorities of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and upon petition by the people of Kogi State, an investigation was carried out on the acquisition of Obajana Cement Company by Dangote Company.
“It was found that no valid acquisition took place, as Dangote could not show evidence of what was paid as consideration for the acquisition.
“The Legislators invited the Chairman of the Company, Aliko Dangote, before the house for explanations but he failed to appear before the state Assembly, giving excuses.
“The House of Assembly therefore ordered the closure of the company pending when they are able to present credible evidence of a valid acquisition.”
The Director-General, Lands, Kogi State, Nasir Ochi, who was also on ground, added, “In this regard, the security agencies were directed to give effect to the resolution. Similarly, the various organs of Government were also informed about this resolution.
“By law, Kogi State House of Assembly can conduct investigation, order anyone to appear before it or produce any document. Failure to obey such summons may lead to the arrest of a Person who failed to appear.
“The Government of the State has an obligation to also respect and give effect to such resolution from the House in the interest of peace and security of the State, and to avoid anarchy or breakdown of law and order.
“In this regard, Dangote has an obligation to respect and also give effect to the resolution of the Kogi State House of Assembly to avoid any act of lawlessness.”
In a counter response, unofficial source in Dangote Cement claimed that seven staff were shot and several others injured as over 500 armed members of the state’s security outfit — the Vigilante operatives —stormed the cement factory in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) at the instance of the state Governor, Yahaya Bello.
This, according to him, occurred as a result of disagreement among the thugs and the few policemen guarding Obajana Cement Plant of Dangote. This disagreement occurred as they shot sporadically into the air to disperse all staff and Communities members.
“By this time, the vigilantes have succeeded in locking both entrance and the exit gates of the company with many workers stranded,” he lamented.
The source added that members of the mining and host communities condemned the Kogi State Government for what they described as extra judicial and unlawful deployment of the Vigilantes to cause chaos in the Obajana community.
According to the source, vigilantes group were led by the state Director-General of Lands; Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd), Chairman of Kabba/Bunnu LGA, Chairman of Ijumu LGA and the State ALGON Chairman, Alh. Taofeek; Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation, Mr. Dele Iselewa and Chairman of Lokoja LGA, Alh. Mohammed Dansabe.
The vigilante group members were wielding arms of different kinds including local and assorted rifles as residents and passersby scampered for safety.
The Dangote source said some of the vigilante men are thugs drawn from state vigilante and hunters who have been working for the state government.
Another unverified claim disclosed that Mr. David Oluruntoba, spokesman for the Oyo Mining host community described the act as primitive and disgraceful, saying the youths of the community can never be used, and will not take part in such ‘evil practices.’
He said, “They called us to join them. But I told them that the company has not offended us. We just signed a Community Development Agreement (CDA) and the company has been helping us and providing us with jobs. What has the government done for us, nothing. There is no basis to support the government.”
However, spokesman for Iwaa mining community, Rotimi Kekereowo said, “We would never support government on this matter. What have they done for us? We don’t have a single political appointment at the State level. Even when we have problems of electricity and flooding, it was Dangote that was helping us. So, I want to repeat it. We will never support them.”
Speaking also, the Olu of Akpata, Fredrick Balogun said he was never contacted and as such cannot justify the unwarranted invasion. “We are royal fathers, and we will continue to seek the path of reconciliation and amicable resolution of any misunderstanding. We don’t have issues with the company,” he charged.
Mathew Ojonuga, a resident said, “Important issue like flooding in the state which has rendered many homeless has not been attended to, yet they only to be chase private companies that have been providing us with means of livelihood.
“The state Governor should face the issue of flooding and let the people live in peace. If there are issues, let him employ dialogue and resolve it rather than this use of force,” he said.
