Amosun Sets the Record Straight: Chinese Firm’s Attempt to Seize Nigerian Assets Exposed

Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the seizure of Nigerian assets, including presidential jets, by the Chinese firm Zhongfu. Breaking his silence, Amosun provided a detailed account of the dispute, which began during his tenure, and labeled Zhongfu as an impostor attempting to unlawfully claim Nigerian assets.

The Dispute Unveiled

The controversy dates back to 2011 when two Chinese companies, China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE, both laid claim to the management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ). Amosun explained that Zhongfu, under the guise of being a concerned stakeholder, volunteered damaging information about China Africa Investment FXE. This led to Zhongfu’s appointment as an interim zone manager in 2012. However, it was later revealed that Zhongfu’s claims were false, with the company merely attempting to covertly acquire state-owned assets from Guangdong Province, China.

Chinese Government’s Clarification

In 2016, the Chinese government intervened, clarifying that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor. Following this clarification, the Ogun State Government terminated Zhongfu’s appointment, despite Zhongfu’s numerous court cases and petitions to higher authorities in Abuja. Amosun highlighted that all the legal proceedings confirmed the rightful ownership of China Africa Investment FXE.

No Need for Renegotiation

Amosun firmly stated that the original agreement from 2007, established before his tenure, remains valid and that there was no necessity for renegotiation during his administration. He also refuted allegations of harassment by security agents, emphasizing that any such actions likely stemmed from the rivalry between the two Chinese firms.

A Call for Action

In his statement, Amosun urged the Nigerian government to treat Zhongfu’s case in the same manner as the P&ID dispute, with no basis for negotiation. He stressed that Nigeria should not entertain Zhongfu, as doing so would encourage an unlawful entity to appropriate the country’s assets.

Amosun expressed his readiness to collaborate with government agencies to ensure that Zhongfu or any other entity does not succeed in scamming Nigeria. He emphasized that the ongoing attempt by Zhongfu to seize Nigerian assets is unacceptable and must be stopped.

As the saga unfolds, Amosun’s detailed account sheds light on the complexities of the dispute and reaffirms the need for vigilance in protecting Nigeria’s assets from unlawful claims.