Youths protest in Kogi state over ownership controversy of Dangote cement plant

 

Thousands of youths in Lokoja, the Kogi State Capital on Wednesday staged a protest over the ownership of the Dangote Cement Plant located in Obajana, under Lokoja Local Government of the State.

The protesters accused Aliko Dangote of exploiting the people of Kogi State, adding that, the cement plant belongs to Kogi State.

Leader of the protesters, Ibrahim Isiaka told Newsmen that, available documents at their disposal indicated that the cement factory located in Obajana, belongs to Kogi State, alleging that, Aliko Dangote illegally acquired the factory from the previous administration.

Explaining the grievances of the youths over the cement plant which has sparked a battle between the Kogi State Government and Dangote Group in the last few days, Isiaka said “Enough is enough. It is no longer news that in the last two weeks, it has been a tussle between the State Government and Dangote cement factory.

“It is a battle of no retreat no surrender. We have belief in the present Government which has never fought a fight and lost. This is a fight that does not belong to Governor Yahaya Bello alone, but the generality of the people of Kogi State. It is obvious that when the righteous person is out there to do the right thing, the evil people will be out there to frustrate their interests.

“We don’t expect Dangote to just give up like that because we all know he is one of the big names we have in terms of our economic activities as far Nigeria is concerned. But one thing is sacrosanct, we have all legal document that shows that Kogi State owns the cement factory in Obajana and not Dangote. Documents are rolling out on social media on the reason why Dangote should give up the property for the Kogi people.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Dangote to order, emphasizing that, the people will not fold their arms and allow what belongs to them taken away without due process.

“What we want is justice and equity. We are calling on our listening President to come and prevail in this matter and by the special grace of God anything other than this, the youths will continue to protest and repel the evil activities of Dangote as far as Kogi State is concerned” he added.

According to reports, the battle over the ownership of the cement factory in Obajana has continued to create anxiety among the people of Kogi State, as the Governor, Yahaya Bello has come out openly to say that the owner has questions to answer about the acquisition of the cement plant, while Dangote group, on the other hand, said Kogi State has no equity interest in Obajana cement plant.