The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has ordered the release of Dangote Cement trucks seized over the lingering Obajana Cement plant ownership tussle.
Commissioner for Information and Communications in the state, Kingsley Fanwo disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The state government also advised residents against planned protests over the matter.
The state government equally ordered the management of Dangote Group to shut down the plant within 48 hours as directed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
“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.
“To this end, 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.
“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. As a Government, we will defend and protect all Government institutions against impunity.
“The Governor also wishes to 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.
“We call on the people to remain calm and law abiding as well as continue to have faith in the leadership of the Governor to deliver on the mandate of the people to take back what belongs to them.
“We also urge security agents to be on red alert to prevent anarchy in the face of the boiling anger of the people against exploitation and oppression. We can only win the battle ahead with cool heads. When our people come together like we are now, all we can do is win,” the statement read.
The Kogi State Government and Dangote Industries Limited have been at loggerheads over the ownership of the plant.
While the state government said it solely founded and owned Obajana Cement Company since 1992, Dangote Industries said it acquired the cement plant in 2002.