Kogi Assets Successfully Sold Out – Auctioneer 

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The controversial auctioning of some assets in Kogi State has come to an end following the successful public auctioning held at the Arewa House, Kaduna.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday after the event, the Chairman of Hamif Real Estate Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Friday Idachaba who was the government’s licensed auctioneer, said the action was important for provision of basic amenities in the state.

“Majority of the property being auctioned are dilapidated and deteriorating. They are beginning to constitute nuisance and potential hideouts for hoodlums. They are non-essential assets.

“Government wants to use the funds for meaningful projects in providing basic amenities for its citizens,” Idachaba said.

When asked why the state was selling such assets, he said that selling off the assets by state governments is not new.

“Kaduna also embarked on sale of assets. Also even in EFCC today, I have applied for sale of some seized assets,” he added.

On how his company emerged as the preferred auctioneer, Idachaba said his firm emerged through a due process.

When asked if the auction has anything to do with the presidential ambition of the Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, he said there was no correlation.

“The sales don’t relate to the governor’s presidential ambition,” Idachaba stated.

Recall that the reports of sale of the assets had come under backlash especially from the major oppositions in the state.

The State Director of Media and Communications, PDP, Comrade Dayo Onibiyo in a statement said the efforts to sell Kogi State properties is “not just regrettable, low, shameful, appalling but most unfortunate to say the least, in the 21st Century when other states are acquiring resourcefully to grow their values.

Even the former Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, warned prospective buyers against buying any of the assets.