BREAKING: Former Ogun Governor Gbenga Daniel Speaks Out on Seized Presidential Jets, Proposes Solution
Former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has finally broken his silence over the controversy on Nigeria’s presidential jets seized recently.
Ejes Gist News gathered that the jets were grounded in Europe a few days ago, following a court injunction by a Chinese firm, Zhongfu International Investment FXE, over a contract dispute with the Ogun State Government.
Daniel was the serving governor from 2003 to 2011 when the contract was signed in 2007.
Buttressing the statement, he cited the need to enhance diplomatic measures involving Nigeria’s collective interests and assets.
A statement from the office of Daniel explained that he is not in any way connected to the current legal deliberations, but will definitely help the federal government in arriving at a political solution.
The Senate President charged the press to cooperate with the government in ensuring a constructive resolution, rather than politicking about the nation’s assets and integrity.
“Since the report of the Arbitration and legal matters between a Chinese Firm and the Federal Government of Nigeria/ Ogun State Government on the termination of Management contract at the Ogun/ Guangdong Free Trade Zone, the Media Office of His Excellency, The Senator Otunba Engr Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FAEng has been inundated with calls requesting for Otunba Daniel’s reaction on the matter.”.
“We need to establish clearly that Otunba Gbenga Daniel, or his administration, is not in discussion on the matter before the courts and arbitration; neither were the terms or proprietary of the Agreement for the establishment of FTZ, but rather, the termination of a Management Contract. The judgements in all the courts are very clear on this.”.
This is a very sensitive matter involving our collective national assets and commonwealth, which every patriotic Nigerian should be concerned about. And as an elder statesman who had been privileged to serve as governor of Ogun State, during which time he was able to carry out a number of developmental projects, like the establishment of the Ogun/Guangdong Free Trade Zone and others, and through which he impacted on the lives of many citizens, and presently a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is in this patriotic path that he chooses to thread.
“Rather than the media comments, the most reasonable course of action Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel would rather engage in at this critical time is to help Nigeria through President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, toward finding a diplomatic solution on the issue at hand with available records that could assist the Federal Government in pursuing its course before the arbitration and before the courts.”. He cannot do this on the pages of newspapers and in other media, which may also compromise the strength of arguments by Nigeria in the courts.
“We need to also appreciate that this matter is before various courts in several countries and it is subjudice for anyone to speak on them.”.
“But let us emphasize again that the Ogun/Guangdong Free Trade Zone project still exists, several Nigerians working there as we write this, just as there are several companies still doing their legitimate businesses. It is from this development perspective that the efforts of Otunba Gbenga Daniel should be well appreciated.”.
“At the time of his handover in 2011, about 56 companies were at different stages of operations, construction, and showing interest in the Free Trade Zone, through which various life-impacting developments, such as the construction of roads, schools for the local community, a scholarship, and sponsorship of many Nigerians for academic pursuits, etc. have taken place at Igbesa area, which was otherwise a rural community before the establishment of the Free Trade Zone.”.
“So many misleading reports and misrepresentation of facts on Timelines of activities relating to the establishment and Operations of the Free Trade Zone are in circulation, especially on the social media, and we beg that the media should partner with the Nigerian government in finding a very productive solution to this matter in Nigeria’s interest. It is not time to play politics with the assets and integrity of our dear country.”.
“We sincerely appreciate all efforts at reaching out for Otunba Daniel’s side of the story as we also seek the understanding of all those who called to appreciate his sturdy silence to be able to assist the President on the way out of this testy time and situation.”
