Group asks Gov Ishaku to withdraw plan sale of Highland tea
By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
A group, Kamkam Progressive Forum on Thursday kicked against the decision of the Taraba State Government to sell off the Mambila Beverages, makers of the popular Highland green Tea.
The group in a press statement signed by it chairman Abdulrazaq K. Manuhi and secretary Nuhu S. Tiki, also called on governor Darius Ishaku to withdraw the decision for the interest of the state.
Our Correspondent reports that Taraba State Government had last week advertised in some Nigeria daily newspapers the bid for the sale of the Mambila highland green tea.
The group following the advertisement, kicked against the decision of the government and asked governor Darius Ishaku to withdraw the plan, described it as rude decision against the future of the state.
“We wish to call on the Taraba state government to have a rethink of her plans to sale the highland tea. We also wish to call on the Taraba state house of assembly to intervene for the interest of the citizens.
“The actual owners of the company at it incorporation which the state government is now laying claims have not changed. This persons have not transferred their interest in the bank to the Taraba State Government or to any other person.
“We also want the state house of assembly to commence investigation regarding the circumstances surrounding the ownership and the purported sale of Nigerian Beverages Production Co Ltd factory in the past, incorporation of Mambilla Beverages (Nigeria) Ltd, the plight of workers who served since the NBPC days and the current plan sell of the company by governor Darius Ishaku for himself.
“Following the Investment and Securities Act 2007, Companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA), the Taraba state government has no shares in the Mambila Beverages (Nig) Limited and cannot sell shares belonging to individuals who own the company.
“All details of these illegalities and flagrant violation of the companies and investment laws of the nation are handy to be made public shortly. We wish to cautioned any prospective investors who might be mislead by the dangerous bait cast by the Darius administration to stay clear from the company,” The group called.
When reached for comment, the Managing Director of the Taraba Investment and property limited, Ezekiel Illiya denied the allegations that the state government has no share in the company, noting that the company which was formally liquified was bought over by the state government.
He said, plans were already in the pipeline to organise a town hall meeting where Tarabans would be allowed to air their view on the sale of the company.
