As the face off between Kogi State Government and Dangote continues over the ownership of Obanaja cement company and non remittance of tax to Kogi State, the House of Representative Candidate for Dekina/ Bassa Federal Constituency in the forthcoming election for 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ), Usman Okai Austin Cca, has asked the state to define its priority.
Okai who suggested that Kogi State Government should be tactical in handling the matter also pointed out two controversial issues at stake.
Okai mentioned that: the issue of ownership of Obajana Cement Company and that of non remittance of tax to Kogi State Government are two issues that had caused the dispute.
Okai, however asked Kogi state government to define its priority on the two issues at stake.
In a post which generated a lot of applaud on Facebook, Okai writes thus:
“Kogi state! You must be tactical, fortified and follow due process when fighting a company like Dangote.
The resolution of the state House of Assembly which is already in the public domain is on the controversial tax claims and inability to remit taxes to the state.
Also, Kogi state governor’s explanation is that Dangote Cement Plc was shut due to an alleged invalid acquisition of the company by Dangote Industries Limited.
Two Things are very key Here :
(1) Kogi State wants to take over the company since Obajana Cement was illegally acquired.
(2) The company violates Kogi tax law.
The governor and the State House of Assembly must be seen on the same page to achieve their aim.
The obvious questions begging for right answers goes thus; Now, what exactly does Kogi State desires? tax or ownership?
The priority must be defined!
What is it that Kogi is fighting for must be clearly explained in clear terms in order to give direction to the face off.
Kogites and the rest of Nigerians are waiting to hear the outcome of this dispute”.
