Kogi lawmakers alleged that Dangote, upon invitation by the Assembly, requested more time but did not appear at the House to show any evidence to the contrary.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Kogi House of Assembly on Wednesday closed the Dangote Cement factory in the Obajana area of the state over the validity of the acquisition of land.
Reports say some workers were shot, though not fatally, by security operatives during the scuffle.
The lawmakers ordered the closure of the facility after an investigation into its operations allegedly revealed that no valid acquisition took place for the company.
Kogi lawmakers alleged that Dangote, upon invitation by the Assembly, requested more time but did not appear at the House to show any evidence to the contrary.
Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, while responding to journalists, 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,” Fanwo said.
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Director-General of Lands, Nasir Ochi, also said: “In this regard, the security agencies were directed to give effect to the Resolution.”
He said the various organs of Kogi government were also informed about the resolution to shut down Dangote Cement.
“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,” he said.
Ochi added that Kogi State Government is obligated to also respect and give effect to such resolution from the House in the interest of peace and security of the state.
“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,” he said.