There is palpable tension in Taraba state over the recent sales of the Mambilla Beverages by the state government.
The Trumpet gathered that the tension is emanating from Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna local government of the state over an alleged plan by the state government to sell the Mambilla Beverages, makers of the popular black and green highland tea.
It was observed that the state government has concluded plans to sell the company through the State Investment and Properties Limited. The government has gone steps further to place an advertorial in some national dailies inviting bids for the privatisation of the Tea Company.
Expressing their grievances through a press statement jointly signed by Abdulrazaq K. Manuhi, and Nuhu S. Tiki, the Kamkam Progressive Forum, called on those eyeing the company to stay away from it, as the company did not belong to the state government.
Enumerating the various shareholders of the company, the Taraba state government, as lucidly made known by them “has no shares in the Mambilla Beverages (Nig) Limited and cannot sell shares belonging to nonconsenting individuals who own the company.”
They said, the announcement by the governor to “rush the sale of the company within just eleven days”, “is dastardly and illegal “adding that “It is an economic crime under Nigerian law.”
The group warned the general public against wading in the turbulent waters the Ishaku’s administration is rushing to create regarding the future of the Mambila Beverages Company.
Citing several parts of the Investment and Securities Act 2007, and the Companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA), they passionately beckoned at the state government to withdraw the shameless advert and to institute an investigation, first regarding the ownership of the company, or in the alternative, publish the details of ownership immediately.”We call on the House to for once be on the part of the citizens of Taraba state by unravelling the circumstances surrounding the ownership and purported sale of Nigerian Beverages Production Co. Ltd factory.”
Read Also: Positive change, true democracy, peace, development thrive on justice, equity, Cleric declares
The group who were of the view that the members owe Tarabans “their mandate as House members and must face the people with their deeds” pleaded with the House to also after the investigation “inform Tarabans whether the current mass rush complies with extent relevant laws governing the sale of companies.’
Explaining that the establishment, operation and sale of companies in Nigeria are governed by law” they affirmed that “there are provisions in the laws of this nation, such as the Investigation and Securities Act 2007, Companies and Allied Matter Act.
In a swift reaction, the leadership of the Taraba Investment and Properties Limited frowned at those claiming that the state government has no share in the company.
Narrating how the government brought back the company after being liquidated, he said they plan to call for town hall meetings for the people of the state to voice out their minds on the company, which he said has been concluded.
Follow The Trumpet on all our social media platforms for more updates:
