The Kogi State government has revealed how Dangote Group wanted discussions on the alleged illegal acquisition of Obajana Cement plant to be treated secretly.
Recall that on Wednesday, the Kogi State Internal Revenue Services (KGIRS) sealed the Dangote Cement Factory, Obajana, following agitation by Kogi indigenes on the questionable circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the company.
The Kogi State House of Assembly ordered the closure of the company after its investigation into the cement factory’s operation allegedly revealed that no valid acquisition took place for the company.
The state House of Assembly alleged that Nigerian business magnate, Aliko Dangote, upon invitation by the State House of Assembly, requested for more time but did not appear at the house to show any evidence to the contrary.
Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information in Kogi State was quoted to have 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 it with credible evidence of a valid acquisition.”
It is understood that the external solicitor of Dangote Cement Company, Leeman Salihu, had submitted some documents, which are a Certificate of Incorporation and an agreement signed in 2002 and 2003 but craved the indulgence of the house to allow other discussions on the issue to be out of the public glare.
He pleaded that the house should allow the company to engage in further conversation with it and the state economic team. The request was, however, declined.
The house insisted that Kogi State Cement Company could not have been transferred to Obajana Cement Company and then Dangote Cement Company 100 per cent without any consideration.