Kogi Assembly summons ex-gov Idris over transfer of state’s shares in cement company

Kogi State House of Assembly has directed a former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, to appear before its adhoc committee investigating alleged revenue shortchange by some companies operating in the state.

This was part of the Assembly’s resolution at its sitting, yesterday. The former governor was summoned to explain how Kogi State’s 10 per cent share in Obajana Cement was transferred to Dangote Industries Limited.

The House resolved to invite Idris after the committee on revenue generation and other matters submitted its report at plenary.

The Speaker, Matthew Kolawole, while ruling on the matter, said, though people are happy that Dangote Industries is investing in the state, the House would want to know how the benefits are accruing.

He said, given that the transaction took place during Idris’ tenure, the former governor has a lot to explain to the House on what happened to the state’s share capital.

The management of Dangote had, earlier, requested more time to enable it present all necessary documents in relation to the agreement. It added that it would require someone who has had years of knowledge about the transaction to explain what really transpired.

On tax payment, the House directed the Kogi State Internal Revenue Services (KGIRS) to interface with the management of Dangote Cement to ascertain the actual amount paid by the company to the state as tax.

Dangote had said in the last investigative hearing that it paid over N14 billion as tax: a claim the state’s internal revenue services disagreed with.

Recall that the counsel to Dangote Group, Liman Salihu, had earlier prayed the House to allow amicable settlement with the committee, saying this would fast track the resolution of gray areas.