The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has cautioned Governor Godwin Obaseki to handle the conflict of business interests between the BUA Group and Dangote Cement over ownership of the Obuh mining site with care.
It said Governor Obaseki should be mindful of the enormous financial implications and loss the closure of BUA Cement in Okpella would bring.
A press statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, urged Obaseki to be guided by his oath of office in the discharge of his official duties.
The statement appealed to both parties to maintain peace while exploring legal option of resolving their dispute.
It said only BUA has shown financial commitment, short and long term interest and investment in the economy of Edo State.
According to the statement, “We have observed with great trepidation the unhealthy development between the business interests of Dangote and BUA in Okpella and wish to call for caution and register our disbelief in the role been played without guise by Governor Obaseki.
“BUA has been running its cement business in the Okpella axis of the state for some years now and they have employed many indigenes in the factory. There is no existing court order for the closure of the BUA factory but the Governor has ordered the closure of the BUA facility for obvious known selfish interest. Our position is that the Governor should allow both parties to legally resolve their differences in the court.”
Special Adviser to Obaseki on Media and Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the PDP was becoming a pressure group instead of a political party whose criminal records would continue to hunt
Crusoe stated that it was strange that the PDP that fed fat from money entrusted in their hands for the development of Edo State suddenly emerged as the spokesman for BUA.
He Governor Obaseki action was based on SOS calls from some Elders in Afo Okpella who warned of an impending bloodbath.
Crusoe said BUA cement factory in Obu Okpella was not shut down and that it has 10 mining sites from where it takes limestone to feed its plant.
His words, “The court and FG issued a Stop Work Order for only the disputed mine i.e BUA still has another 9 free mines.
“BUA continued to mine at the disputed site despite the Stop Work Order using a militia group of innocent Edo youths and arming them to cover their activities at the disputed mining site.
“Obaseki stopped all parties from working on only the disputed mine to prevent anarchy and senseless killings which is now common in Nigeria: remember what happened in Benue State, Rivers and Kaduna recently
“The PDP is not interested in peace in Okpella or anywhere else in Edo State. They are just trying to get into the Edo treasury so that they can start looting again.”