Edo PDP urges legal option in resolving BUA, Dangote dispute

The two parties feuding over the Okpella mine site in Edo State, BUA Group and Dangote Group, have been advised to maintain peace while exploring legal option to resolve the dispute.  

The Edo State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which gave the advice said: “We have observed with great trepidation the unhealthy development between the business interests of Dangote and BUA in Okpella and call for caution and register our disbelief in the role being played without guise by Governor Godwin Obaseki.”

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the state PDP stated that the conflict should be handled with care, adding that the BUA Group was focused on business and had shown financial commitment, short and long term interests and investment in the economy of the state.

The party said Governor Obaseki should be mindful of the enormous financial implications and loss the closure would bring to Edo government and youths in the employ of the company.

“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. Our position is that he should allow both parties to legally resolve their differences in the law court.”

According to the statement, “In 2008, BUA Group acquired majority shareholding of Edo Cement Company after it was sold under the Federal Government’s Privatisation policy. They immediately started production and engaged the youths of the community. In 2015, the 3 million metric tonnes capacity Greenfield Obu Cement plant was completed and production started. More youths and indigenes were employed. “