The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN) has  condemned the Kogi State government over its unprovoked attacks and sealing up of the Dangote Cement Factory, Obiajana over unfounded allegations.
The manufacturers umbrella body wonder why the Kogi State government is resulting to self help instead of channelling any grievances it has against the company through the court of law.
The out going President of MAN Engr Mansur Ahmed stated this on Thursday in Lagos while exchanging views with journalists.
The MAN boss said the Kogi State government should be call to order by the country’s authorities and well meaning Nigerians, adding that the government action is sending negative signals to would be investors in the country.
” Kogi State government and it’s operatives should be called to order. It’s action of sealing up Dangote Cement Factory for no justifiable reasons could send wrong signals to would be investors in the country.
” If it has any legitimate grievances the door of the company is open for dialogue.
” If there is any legitimate tax the company has not paid, such issues could be discussed in a friendly and civilised manner rather than taking laws into their hands.
” The court of law is there for the government and the corporate citizens and the people to seek their redress,” he stressed.
He added that the manufacturers in totality in Nigeria condemned the action of the Kogi State government despite all the taxes and providing employment for the teeming youths of the state.
It would be recalled that the Kogi State House of Assembly ordered the company after it’s investigation into cement factory’s operations allegedly revealed that no valid acquisition took place for the company.
The management of Dangote said no fewer than seven of it’s staff were shot and several others injured by the over 500 armed members of the state security outfit , that stormed the cement factory at the alleged instance of the state governor Yaya Bello .
Unconfirmed report has it that jubilant youths trooped to the company on hearing the news of the company closure with intention to chase workers away but we’re stopped by Kogi officials who promptly waded in to avoid damage.
The youths claimed that the company had neglected the host community where they said they are making billions of naira from on monthly basis.
They say the residents are dying from illness as a result of pollution amongst other allegations against the company.