House Committee threatens arrest of management of Dangote Cement

By Linda Ike

The House of Representatives Joint Committee on the arbitrary increase in the price of cement has threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to appear at the committee’s 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 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 benefit of the people.

“They want over-profit fit 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 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 Assemband ly, no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country.
No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly,” the chairman said.