The lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Gbenga Daniel, has urged President Bola Tinubu to explore diplomatic channels to resolve the issues surrounding the Ogun Free Trade Zone (FTZ) deal.
Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese firm, obtained a court injunction to ground three presidential jets belonging to the Federal Government in Europe. The PUNCH reported that the company is also moving to seize other Nigerian assets in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and six other countries.
The firm has initiated legal proceedings in eight jurisdictions worldwide regarding the dispute. These countries include Belgium, Canada, France, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands, according to documents obtained by our correspondent on Thursday.
The order was granted following a failed contract between the company and the Ogun State Government, initiated in 2007 during Gbenga Daniel’s tenure as the state governor.
Responding to the controversies, the former Ogun governor, through his media office, released a statement on Saturday.
He clarified that neither he nor his administration is involved in the ongoing court and arbitration discussions.
He emphasised that the issue at hand is not the terms or propriety of the agreement for establishing the FTZ, but rather the termination of a management contract.
In 2010, the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone Company entered into a contract with Zhongshan’s parent company to develop an industrial park within the free-trade zone. The agreement was terminated in the first half of 2016, leading Zhongshan to file lawsuits in Nigerian federal and state courts seeking reinstatement of its contractual rights. However, the legal proceedings were discontinued in the spring of 2018.
The statement read, “The judgments in all the courts are very clear on this matter. It is important to note that this is a sensitive issue involving our collective national assets and Commonwealth, which every patriotic Nigerian should be concerned about.
“As a patriotic elder statesman who had the privilege of serving Ogun State as Governor, where he initiated several developmental projects, including the Ogun/Guangdong Free Trade Zone, and as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel is committed to assisting Nigeria, through the President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in finding a diplomatic solution to the issue at hand. He will provide the Federal Government with all available records that could assist in pursuing its case at arbitration and before the courts.”
He further stated, “Rather than engaging in media commentary, the most reasonable course of action for Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel is to contribute to a diplomatic resolution of this matter. Engaging in public discussions may compromise the strength of Nigeria’s arguments in court. It is essential to understand that this matter is before various courts in several countries, and it is sub judice for anyone to comment on it.”
The former governor also highlighted that the Ogun/Guangdong Free Trade Zone project remains operational, with numerous Nigerians working there, and several companies continuing their legitimate businesses.
He emphasised that, as of his handover in 2011, around 56 companies were at various stages of operation, construction, or interest in the Free Trade Zone. These efforts have led to significant development in the previously rural Igbesa area.
He concluded by cautioning against the spread of incorrect reports and misrepresentation of facts regarding the establishment and operations of the Free Trade Zone, particularly on social media. He called on the media to support the Nigerian government in finding a productive solution in the nation’s best interest, emphasising that this is not a time to play politics with the assets and integrity of the country.
“We sincerely appreciate all efforts to reach out for Otunba Daniel’s side of the story. We also seek the understanding of those who have called to commend his steadfast silence, as he works to assist the President in navigating this challenging situation,” the statement added.