The former governor of Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has responded to ongoing media reports surrounding the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) management conflict.
In a statement, the government acknowledged the dispute between two Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE, which surfaced shortly after the administration of 29 May 2011 took office.
According to the government, both Chinese firms laid claims to management rights over OGFTZ, leading to a fierce rivalry that disrupted business operations and threatened public peace within the zone and neighboring communities.
The conflict centered around which company was the rightful representative of Guangdong Province, China, and consequently, the legitimate manager of the zone.
Zhongfu International Investment FXE, posing as a concerned stakeholder, initially provided damaging information about China Africa Investment FXE.
Based on this information, Zhongfu was appointed as the interim zone manager on 15 March 2012, pending further evaluation by the government.
However, after a thorough investigation, it was revealed that the claims made by Zhongfu International Investment FXE were false and intended to undermine China Africa Investment FXE.
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The true state of affairs came to light in 2016, when the Chinese government, through Diplomatic Note 1601, clarified that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor and manager of OGFTZ.
In response to the clarification, Amosun acted in accordance with the Chinese government’s request and terminated Zhongfu International Investment FXE’s management rights on 27 May 2016, following consultations with relevant agencies, including the State Security Services and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
He also noted that Zhongfu International Investment FXE sought legal redress through several court cases, all of which were decided in favor of China Africa Investment FXE. Key cases include Suit No HCT/417/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs OGFTZ and FCT/ABJ/CS/601/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs NEPZA & Ors.
Additionally, a ruling in Suit No AB/04/2017: Zenith Global Merchant International Investment Ltd Vs Zhongfu International Investment FXE, delivered on 29 March 2017, further restrained arbitration, recognizing the trade dispute as being solely between the two Chinese entities.
Amosun states his commitment to fostering transparency and fairness in resolving business disputes, while commending the efforts of both state and federal authorities in addressing the issues surrounding the OGFTZ.
ZHONGFU FIRM IS AN IMPOSTOR, IT’S CHINESE AGAINST CHINESE DISPUTE: Ex-Governor Amosun
We have read various media accounts of the above in both print and social media. We have also read and aligned with the very appropriate responses from Ogun State and the Federal Government.…
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) August 17, 2024
