REPS ANGRY WITH DANGOTE ON CEMENT

The House of Representatives Joint Committee considering the price of cement in the country has threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to appear at its next hearing.

This followed the constant absence of officials of the cement company during a hearing to address the problem of cement increase in the country.

The joint committee is considering issues surrounding arbitrary increase in the prices of cement in the country.

The special panel, Chaired by Jonathan Gaza Gbefi while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, on Tuesday, expressed worry over the increase in cement prices and the untold hardships it has brought upon many Nigerians.

The committee directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to appear before the committee in the next two weeks.

This according to the committee, is to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefits of the people.

“They want to (over) profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given it this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government.

“On Dangote, my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate on a date.

“Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, a warrant of arrest will be given for you to cause appearance before the National Assembly, no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country.

“No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly,” the chairman said.