The Dangote Group of Companies has distance itself from the fire outbreak that engulfed Kogi State House of Assembly, saying the it will never sponsor any element to disrupt societal peace.
A press release signed by Anthony Chiejina, the group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, stated that the group’s attention has been drawn to a circulating press statement issued by the Kogi State Government, wherein the Dangote Group was accused of allegedly sponsoring arsonists to set the Kogi State House of Assembly on fire in the early hours of today.
“The Kogi State government in the statement titled, ‘Obajana: Desperation sets in as imported hoodlums burn down Kogi Assembly’, which was signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo pointedly accused our company of burning the Complex.
The government stated that the group attempted to set alight evidence of Obajana Cement Plant’s ownership.
“As a socially responsible corporate entity, we totally refute this allegation and condemn this unprofessional and irresponsible attempt to smear our image before local and international investors and thus erode our brand value,” the statement read further.
The group explained that it would never stoop so low as to sponsor thugs to destroy any property, belonging to either government or any individual, adding that this runs contrary to its business ethics and everything it stand for as a leading manufacturer with teeming customers and consumers across Nigeria and Africa.
The statement further stated that the group’s lawyers have been mandated to react appropriately to the image denting allegation from the Kogi State Government within the full extent of the law.
The group also called on its stakeholders and the public to disregard what it described as irresponsible and insane statements, saying: “We ask all our stakeholders, namely shareholders, customers, suppliers, employees, and the entire community of Obajana and Kogi State at large to remain calm while we follow the legitimate and lawful process to resolve this matter with the State Government.”