By Lateef Taiwo
Apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has faulted and warned traditional rulers in Kogi State for kicking against the Senate investigative panel on Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe.
The warning came in response to a letter written to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio by the Ebira Area Traditional Rulers Council.
It could be recalled that the Senate had consequent upon a motion sponsored by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central), set up a committee to probe alleged shoddy dealings in the steel company and the Iron Ore mining company.
Senator Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire SAN (APC Ondo Central) is to be the chairman of the investigative panel, while Senator Kawu Suleiman (NNPP Kano South) is to be the deputy chairman.
Presenting the motion, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, said the companies were established in the late 70s by the Federal Government with a potential to put Nigeria on the path of technological and industrial advancement, and establish the country as one of the leading exporters of steel products in the world.
She noted that decades after their establishment, the Ajaokuta Steel Mill and NIOMCO have remained inoperative and unable to produce steel despite seeming efforts by several administrations due to lack of earnest political will and bureaucratic corruption.
However, the Ebira monarchs, who appear to be on a different page, have written a protest letter to the Senate expressing their stand against the resolutions of the Red Chamber.
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