Buhari meets Akeredolu, Obiano in Aso Rock

*Anambra governor tasks INEC on neutrality 

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday had separate meetings with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state and his Anambra state counterpart, Mr. Willie Obiano at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who was accompanied by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, said they discussed issues on mineral resources development particularly the need to build a deep sea port in Ondo state.

He said the seaport in the state would contribute immensely to the export of mineral resources which is in large number in Ondo.

Also speaking, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development said the future of the country’s diversification lies in solid minerals, especially with countries planning to jettison the use of fuel for batteries in vehicles in the next 20 years from now.

“The deep seaport is really not for now it is about the future. We are emphasising solid minerals development as a vehicle for diversification, an agenda of Mr. President, if we look at what role that will play in the future and the entire non-oil sector. 

“Now we about talking about our oil wealth going down, at the same time we are talking that other countries are talking about manufacturing cars that will not use fuel in the next two decades. 

“What will these cars be using? If you look at the Tesla vehicles out there now there are all battery powered and where will the battery power come from? It will come from lead, lithium, cobalt, these are things that we have in abundance in Nigeria. So, although we may lose out on oil, it doesn’t mean it is a zero sum gain, we may be gaining other things which Mr. President is keen about,” he said. 

The minister also told journalists that he briefed the President on the Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Company and the Aluminum Smelting Company in Ikot Abasi.

“The president asked for an update on Ajaokuta and the Aluminum Smelting Company in Ikot Abasi. I came to brief Mr. President on the development to ensure these companies are back to life.

“I told him about the efforts that Mr. Vice President has been leading, on ensuring that we have a definitive solution to the sale of Aluminum Smelting Company in Ikot Abasi, and that we also move forward in the resolution and agreement reached on Ajaokuta Steel so that we get ready for the second concession,” he said.

On his part, Governor Willie Obiano said he briefed the President on issues concerning Anambra state, especially the forthcoming gubernatorial elections scheduled to take place on November 18, 2017.

He said there was the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure impartial conduct of the forthcoming governorship election in the state

The governor dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) plans to rig the elections.

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