By Olu Samuel, Lokoja
Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello has ordered the Dangote cement factory in Obajana Kogi state be shut down within 48 hours in compliance with the resolution of the state house of Assembly
He also urged citizens of the state to be law abiding as the state continues to fight on their behalf.
The advice became necessary in view of protests across the three senatorial districts on Tuesday and Wednesday calling Dangote industries to return the states shares to the state.
The statement issued on behalf of the government by the information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo stated that “The Executive Governor of Kogi State wishes to thank the people of the state for their resoluteness in the ownership impasse between the Dangote Group and the State Government.
While the State Government recognises the right of the citizens to peaceful protest as we witnessed across the state yesterday; we urge the people to remain civil, law abiding and give room for constitutionalism. Breakdown of law and order will not be in the interest of anyone as we hope to remain the most peaceful state in Nigeria”.
According to him,” the Governor has directed that trucks loading cement that are impounded across the State be released with immediate effect to either return to the plant or go to their destinations peacefully. As a State, we must retain the peaceful and business friendly environment that have attracted scores of investment giants to the state in the last seven years”.
He said that the Governor has also urged the Management of Dangote Group to ensure the Cement Factory at Obajana is shut down within the next 48 hours in honor of the legislative arm of Government which ordered the plant sealed until the Dangote Group furnishes the legislature with the requisite documents demanded by the legislature adding that “As a Government, we will defend and protect all Government institutions against impunity”.
The Governor assure the people of the state of his unwavering commitment to defending their interest without compromise.
“As the face of the struggle with the over four million Kogites behind him, he will ensure the interest of the state is defended with a high sense of integrity, responsibility and allegiance through democratic instruments”.