Dangote Finally Agrees BUA's Remain In Possession Of Obuh Mines While Dispute Is Resolved In Court
Dangote
has agreed that BUA continues it operations at Obu mines while the
ownership dispute between the two manufacturers is resolved in court.
This revelation is contained in this statement
BUA
International Limited, owners of BUA Cement, heartily welcomes the
resolve by Dangote Cement Plc to await the outcome of the courts in
their corporate disclosure published on the Nigerian Stock Exchange
website dated 20 December, 2017 and titled, “DANGOTE CEMENT – RESPONSE
TO BUA ALLEGATIONS”. This is in line with what BUA has always insisted
and we appreciate the decision to wait for a judicial outcome rather
than resorting to self-help and/or using influence and certain agencies
of government in disrupting operations at some of BUA’s mining areas
covered by ML18912 and ML18913 in Obu, Okpella, Edo State.
With
respect to the statement by the Ministry of Mines published in Punch
Newspapers of December 8, 2017 and alluded to by Dangote Cement Plc in
its statement, BUA wishes to state that we have responded to the
ministry through our lawyers and via other media.
BUA
remains resolute and unequivocal about its stand that ‘Status Quo be
preserved’ as instructed by the Federal High Court sitting in Benin in
Suit No. FHC/B/CS/7/2016 BUA International Limited & BUA Cement vs.
Hon. Minister of Mines & Steel Development and Dangote Cement Plc.
For
the purpose of clarity, this means that BUA remains in possession of
the Mining Areas covered by Mining Leases 18912 and 18913 in Obu,
Okpella, Edo State and will continue to exercise its rights to operate
those mines in line with the dictates of the courts. If anyone or any
stakeholder (especially the Ministry) remains in doubt as to what
‘Status Quo’ means in this case, they are free to write to the courts
for an interpretation.
BUA
also affirms that it fully intends to abide by the outcomes of the
judicial process as provided by the laws and Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
BUA
also hopes that with the statement by Dangote Cement Plc, this will put
an end to the continued cycle of harassment or clandestine moves by
certain stakeholders to usurp the powers of the courts and disrupt
operations at our site in a clear disregard of existing court
directives. BUA therefore enjoins and urges all stakeholders involved -
not limited to the Edo State Government, the Ministry of Mines and
Steel and other parties - to also await the outcome of the judicial
process in the interest of a competitive business climate governed by
the rule of law in Nigeria.
Further details on this matter will be published as appropriate.
SIGNED:
MANAGEMENT
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