A human rights activist based in Kogi State, Chief Haruna Ahmed Osike has 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.
Osike made the appeal in Okene, Kogi State on Sunday while speaking against the backdrop of Global Steel Holdings Limited, an Indian firm that recently took the federal government to world court over failed concession of the Steel Company.
He alleged that some Nigerians who does not wish the steel industry to function due to their personal interest partner with the Indian company to delay the effort of President Buhari in reviving the ailing Ajaokuta Steel.
He noted that the actions of the enemies of Nigeria can not 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 export any thing 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 concern 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, Abubakar 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 come 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, Chief Osike urged Nigerian youth to support the federal government with prayers to enable them create more jobs through Ajaokuta steel company and other rolling mills in the country.
