Benue State Government has out up 25 state companies for privatisation and commercialisation saying they have remained moribund and drained government resources.
The companies, among others, include Benue Links Transport Ltd, Benue Burnt Bricks Otukpo, Tomato Puree Plant Wannune, Benue Hotel, Star Cement Igumale Fruit Company Katsina Ala.
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who has come under heavy criticism following the sales of the companies said the advertised sale or privatisation of government owned enterprises is in compliance with the law on Privatisation and Commercialisation of Enterprises in the State and for Purposes Connected Therewith 2010.
Briefing journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi, Ortom said all the companies listed for privatization were moribund adding that they were rather draining government resources through security for such facilities.
While stating that most of the companies put up for sale have not even taken off since they were established, the governor said that only two; the fertilizer plant and plastic industry that were concessioned are operational.
“None of those companies listed for sale are working rather they are draining government and public funds.
“Most of the equipment are obsolete and wasting away”, adding, “it is out of mischief that they (opposition) are saying I want to buy some of the companies.”
READ ALSO: Breastfeeding Protects Mothers From Ovarian, Breast Cancer – Oncologist
The Governor who advised Benue people with the financial capacity to seize the opportunity to own a company, said stakeholders meetings between the privatization council and host communities of the listed enterprises would soon be held as a further step towards completion of the process.
He explained that interested persons could put forward proposals either for outright purchase or concession as allowed by the law.
Governor Ortom stated that the criticisms of the exercise by the opposition was a deliberate ploy to divert attention from the massive defections from their ranks owing to leadership failure.
Fielding questions from journalists on the fate of Benue indigenes schooling at the University of Jos in Plateau State, Governor Ortom said his administration was closely monitoring the situation and was in touch with relevant authorities to ensure that the students were safe, adding that the State Government would not hesitate to evacuate the students if need be.