A human rights activist based in Kogi State, Chief Haruna Ahmed Osike has alleged that some Nigerians are working with an indian firm, Global Steel Holdings Limited to frustrate the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, (ASCL) by President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.
Osike, who disclosed this on Sunday while speaking to DAILY POST against the backdrop of Global Steel Holdings Limited, an Indian firm that recently took the Federal Government to court, explained that some Nigerians does not wish the Steel plant to function due to their personal interest.
He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to be distracted by the enemies of the country in his quest to revitalize the money spinning Ajaokuta Steel Industry located in the State.
According to him, the actions of the enemies of Nigeria cannot discourage the President in his plans to industrialize the nation through the revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Industry.
“The saboteurs are just wasting their time because the time has come for any sensitive government to look inward in order to galvanize the nation economy.
“President Buhari should not allow detractors who does not meant well for the country to discourage him from actualizing his campaign promise for Kogi people and Nigerians, that before his eight years in the saddle of leadership of this country he will complete the Ajaokuta steel company, commissioned it and operationalized it.
“Achieving that feat for Nigerians, other rolling mills in the country such as Alaja, Katsina, Jos steel and Osogbo steel rolling mills will pick up and add value to the economy of the country. Our naira today is devalued because the nation no longer exports anything to boost foreign exchange.
“I am optimistic that with the support and commitment of the National Assembly, the Minister of Iron and steel Mr Olamilekan Adegbite and other concerned Nigerians, the Russian engineers will soon come to Nigeria to do the needful and put the steel company in the right place of operation,” he stated.
He commended the effort of the Attorney General of the Federation Malami, the Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Engr. Sumaila Abdul-Akaba for the tireless and selfless efforts in ensuring that the moribund Integrated steel plant comes back to life.
While calling on workers of Ajaokuta Steel company to continue doing their best by keeping all the units of the steel company intact, Osike urged Nigerian youths to support the Federal Government.
DAILY POST reports that Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited which is at about 97 percent completion stage was established in 1979 during the regime of Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
