JUST-IN: Court Stops Planned Concessioning Of Ajaokuta Coy, NIOMCO

A Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has restrained the Federal Government from the planned concessioning of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited,(ASCL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) Itakpe both loacted in the State.

The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, who presided over the matter, granted the exparte order retraining the Federal Government from the planned concessioning pursuant to an application in a suit filed by the Attorney-General of Kogi State on behalf of the Government and people of the State.

Lead Counsel to the State Government, M Y Abdullahi, SAN, in an application sought the Court’s “Order of interim injunction restraining the Defendant/Respondents, thier agents, officials or representatives from proceeding with the proposed concession of the companies.”

The order also sought to restrain the defendants from carrying out any of the itemised functions or activities as contained in the Daily Trust publication of Friday, April 21, 2023 including virtual pre-qualification for conference or interview slated for May 4th, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Justice Majebi, who granted the interim injunction, said it was appropriate and necessary to prevent a situation of irreparable damage to the applicant, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The defendants in the matter are the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Bureau of Public Enterprised, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company.

The motion on notice has been scheduled for hearing on May 4,. 2023.

LEADERSHIP recalls that youth groups in the host community had earlier called on the State governor, Yahaya Bello, and the National Assembly to urgently rise against the planned concessioning of the facilities which they see as an act which is against the interest of the people of Kogi State.