IGBOZURUOKE FORUM

The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has condemned a move by some traditional rulers in Kogi State seeking to stop the probe of Ajaokuta Steel Company. 

SaharaReporters had reported that the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, had moved a motion to investigate alleged corruption and inefficiency at the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) located in Kogi respectively.

Senator Natasha, in her motion, had urged the Senate to investigate the affairs of Ajaokuta Steel and NIOMCO between 2008 and February 2024.

The Kogi lawmaker also sought an investigation into the payment of $496m allegedly made to the Chairman of Global Infrastructure Holdings Ltd (GINL) by the Federal Government in September 2022 as a settlement over ASL contractual disputes.

The petition by the monarchs was jointly signed by the five district rulers in the central senatorial district, namely, HRH Mohammed Bello (Ohi of Adavi), HRH Musa Isah Achuja (Ohi of Eganyi), HRH Ahmed Abdulraheem (Ohi of Ihima), HRH Umar Opewu (Ohi of Eika), and HRH Isah Mamman (Ohi of Okene).

The monarchs accused the lawmaker of acting in isolation and without the input of critical stakeholders in the Senatorial district, stating that her motion was an “unwarranted public outcry.”

“Taking fundamental decisions like this without inclusive consultations amounts to burning the bridge of democratic principles of consultations and this action are not acceptable to us.

“We urge that she should not be encouraged, as this type of action will scare away potential investors and is counterproductive,” the petition partly read.

Reacting to the petition via a statement issued by NEYGA spokesperson, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, the northern youths said Kogi Central monarchs cannot decide the future view of Northerners, Kogites, and Nigerians as a whole.

Ibrahim said:”Kogi State and Ajaokuta Steel belong to Nigerians, and we shouldn’t be pushed by corrupt leaders to issue unwarranted petitions to protect their ill-deeds. Instead of going against the motions raised by Senator Natasha, I expect every Nigerian to join hands with her.

“Northern Nigeria has decided to stand up and no longer be seen as a lazy region regarding the development of its resources.

“The Northern region is disappointed by the letter emanating from Traditional rulers in Kogi state. The fact that the plant is located in Kogi state doesn’t give Kogi state an absolute claim to it.

“The letter from Kogi state traditional rulers does not represent the interests of the North. The entire Northern senators are encouraged to ensure adequate probe of the whereabouts of the money. The northern region is tired of being labeled as a lazy region.

“The group also called on the Minister of Steel, Alhaji Shiabu Audu, to continue with his quest for resuscitating the plant and urged him to constitute an adequate management team.

“Ajaokuta lying there and not contributing but merely being a corruption calling for a proper management team is in line to ensure accountability and corporate efficiency.

“The demand for the whereabouts of the money released by Emefele should be questioned. Where was the money paid, and who are the beneficiaries? The probe and a competent governing board will reassure investors that the management is serious.”

Sahara Reporters