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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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ALSCON: BFI Group stormsSenate, protests disqualification
RICHARD IHEDIWA, Abuja DISQUALIFIED preferred bidder for Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), BFI Group yesterday stormed the Senate, insisting that it be allowed to acquire the company. BFIG�s chief promoter, Dr. Reuben Jaja, told members of the Senate Committee on Privatisation at a parley in Abuja that his group beat its rival, Rusal Group, for the ALSCON bid, but was being edged out by certain interests at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). Jaja, who said his group had committed over $3 million into the bidding process insisted that the company was still on the race as it has not been served any letter of disqualification by BPE. BPE officials told the Senate Committee on Wednesday that BFI lost its bid winner status following their inability to pay the mandatory 10 per cent of the bid sum of N410 million within the stipulated 15 working days as well as the inability to sign the share purchase agreement within the stipulated time. But BFIG promoter countered that yesterday and accused BPE Director-General of working against their interest and frustrating their readiness to pay within the stipulated time. He accused, Bala, Minister of Power and Steel, Senator Liyel Imoke and the technical secretary of the National Council on Privatisation, Mr. Kekere-Ekun of discrimination against the DFIG for no just cause,. Stating that his company was not to blame for not meeting the required time frame, Jaja told the committee that it was actually the BPE boss Dr. Julius Bala who tried to put off appointments scheduled within the time frame for the fulfilment of the requirements. Jaja also accused BPE and NCP officials as well as Imoke of initiating a fresh discussion with Rusal Group whose $205 million bid was initially disqualified as they attached conditions to it. Describing the scenario as a huge scam and a serious case of injustice and discrimination, Jaja appealed to the senate committee to stand up for the truth as Nigeria�s image abroad was being dented by the key players in the privatisation process. Jaja, however, said his group had already appealed to President Olusegun Obasanjo and expressed optimism that the President would intervene in the matter as his anti-corruption stand was not in the doubt. Speaking during the meeting, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Isaiah Balat cautioned all the parties involved to handle the matter with care in order not to tarnish the improving image of the country in the international arena. |
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