Why we’re selling Benue’s 25 companies — Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Wednesday said some public companies currently put up for sale became necessary as they were wasting away.

The government had on Monday advertised the sales of its moribund companies in a national daily but the development stirred up criticism among the people.

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Ortom, however, said the decision to sell the property was best since the private sector does better in driving the economy.

He noted that his reactions to the furore that trailed the planned sale of the 25 public properties became imperative to clear the erroneous impression.

“None of those companies listed for sale are working, rather they are draining government and public funds.

“Most of the equipment is obsolete and wasting away, adding, “It is out of mischief that they (opposition) are saying I want to buy some of the companies.

The governor said that the step taken by his government to sell the property was however in line with the state’s privatisation law established in 2010.

He added that most of the companies put up for sale have not worked for a day, saying only two: the fertilizer plant and plastic industry that were concessioned had been operational.