Skip to main content

World Bank Fingered in Ajaokuta Steel Scandal

An international dimension was yesterday added to the on-going controversy surrounding the collapse and inefficiency of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The African Iron and Steel Association revealed that the World Bank was behind the efforts at stunting the growth and development of the largest steel firm in Africa.

The revelation was made by the secretary-general of the professional body, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, while speaking to newsmen in Abuja yesterday.

The association also called on President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to constitute an independent panel to investigate allegations that his Minister of Justice, Micheal Aondoakaa, was frustrating the prosecution of the Global Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (GINL) owned by Indians.

According to Mohammed, "The World Bank has no doubt contributed to the destruction of the steel and iron sectors in the country. In 1990, the bank sent a team to inspect facilities at Ajaokuta which reported back to it. The report condemned the progress being made by the company even though it had advanced to a high point. The same thing happened around 2003. The World Bank clearly has an interest in the Ajaokuta project. The team members were very angry with the progress so far made. And as I speak to you now, they have not given up, but are using all available means to sabotage the national project."

Mohammed wondered why the Federal Government had not commenced the prosecution of the Indian Company (GINL) officials who milked the company to its present state of despair, asking the officials whether the justice ministry was also a conspirator.


"It is surprising and shocking to hear that the minister of justice is trying to bring back the criminals who destroyed our national asset. It is still a speculation and no evidence for now. But if it proved to be so, then I am ashamed of this country. What is giving credence to the allegation is the refusal or reluctance of the Justice ministry to prosecute the Indians five months after the contract was revoked by the Federal Government. Why is the government delaying? Look at the willful destruction, unethical engineering practices, damages done and nothing is being said or done. It is time the report is implemented and the Indians arrested," he said.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ebira Names and their meaning, Names, Meanings, Sex

Asimi: If mankind will allow me the survival of this child. F Ajimituhuo: Spare me today till tomorrow, which day metaphorically continues till eternity (since tomorrow has no end). M Avidime: The initiator who work is subsequently perfected by those following him in life. M Asipita: A child of History. M Amewuru: The harbinger of confusion, or the man who causes chaos. M Adeku: Father of masquerade. M Adabara: Father of the  compound. M Adajinege: The tallest of them. M Adavize: Father is wealth. M Adeiza: Father of fortune/gift/kindness. M Adomuha: Father of able body man. M Adooro: The one that is a stumbling block Ahovi: A chief custodian of the traditional Oracle. M Aduvo: Father of hand. M Ajooze: The one standing on the way. M Adinoyi: The father of the multitude who serves as a protective umbrella shielding others in need of such protection. M Adaviruku: Name usually given to the heir of the family. M Ajinomo: In memory of Ebira war with the Fukanis where Ebi

The case of Ahmed Awela, Murtala (Eti Bobo) among other Ebira youths

Ismail M. Kabir, Lagos. Between controversial existence and a contentious exit. There are various sides to a story. For an event that happens with few or no significant eye witness, the news come in different versions; some partially correct, others completely cooked up. In some cases, such non-witnessed event pass round as rumour until eventually confirmed. Rumour it was, when a phone call from Okene announced the death of two famous Ebira youths! They were killed by the Police, reported the news. Being on a Sunday when nothing too special should ensue save for the usual church services and social functions, the news sounded as the most unexpected, as a matter of fact, incredible! The thought of losing such youths on an ordinary day like Sunday undoubtedly was the reason for the astonishment. Not a single person of Ebira origin, within or outside the soil would believe such shocker upon first hearing. Text messages, phone calls and of course physical enquiries lingered, all in an atte

Eyire Clan Fully Backs Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo for Governor

Gov. Yahaya Bello blessing Hon. Usman Ahmed Ododo's Candidacy The emergence of Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo has been greatly lauded by the entire Eyire clan in EbiraLand. Hon. Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi APC Guber candidate  It was a moment of camaraderie and total expression of allegiance to the Gubernatorial candidate of the APC, Ododo by the entire Eyire clan on Sunday, April 16, 2023, led by their respected Kinsman, Ambassador Isyaka Usman (Akanson) and other stakeholders. Amb. Isyaka Usman (Akanson) addressing Eyire Clan delegation  The unprecedented decision was taken at a high-powered peace and reconciliation meeting involving the leadership of the clan, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders of the clan. The meeting took place at the palace of Ohiopisa Eyire Alhaji Okeji, at the instance of Alhaji Jubril Momoh, the Accountant General of Kogi State who in his wisdom and cooperative dispositions sent some emissaries to his kins