Fakoyejo OlalekanAliko Dangote-owned manufacturing company, Dangote Group, has denied being behind the fire outbreak at the Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja, on Monday. Part of the building was destroyed by fire amid a faceoff between the firm and the state government.
Prime Business Africa had reported that Dangote Group accused Kogi Government of using thugs to attack the firm’s factory in Obajana area of the state.
It was gathered that the attack led to seven workers sustaining injury. The factory was later closed down by the Kogi State Government. This threatens the firm’s revenue generation.
Days after the reported attack, which occurred on Wednesday, part of the Kogi House of Assembly building was engulfed by fire, but no live was hurt.
Following the fire outbreak, the state reportedly released a statement accusing the firm of being behind the fire, however, the Group Head Branding and Communications, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, distanced Dangote Group from the incident.
In the statement released by Dangote Group, the firm said, “Our attention has been drawn to a circulating press statement issued by the Kogi State government, wherein the Dangote Group was accused of allegedly sponsoring arsonists to set the Kogi State House of Assembly on fire in the early hours of Monday, October 10.
“The statement titled, ‘Obajana: Desperation sets in as imported hoodlums burn down Kogi Assembly,’ which was signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, pointedly accused our company of burning the Complex.
“In an attempt to possibly destroy evidence relating to the ownership tussle between the Kogi State Government and the Dangote Group over the Obajana Cement Company.
“We urge our stakeholders and the public to disregard such irresponsible and insane statements.
“We ask all our stakeholders, namely shareholders, customers, suppliers, employees, and the entire community of Obajana and Kogi State at large to remain calm while we follow the legitimate and lawful process to resolve this matter with the State Government.”
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