Former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, advising against any negotiations with Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company he described as an “impostor.”
This warning comes amidst the ongoing controversy over the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets in Paris, which were held during routine maintenance after a French court ruled in favor of the Chinese firm.
The court’s decision was based on an arbitration award related to a long-standing legal dispute between the Ogun State government and the company.
Amosun, who served as governor from May 2011 to May 2019, cautioned the Federal Government not to fall victim to what he believes is a scam.
He recounted a history of disputes involving two Chinese firms, China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE, both of which laid claims to management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) during his tenure.
Amosun explained that the rivalry between these companies became intense, disrupting business operations and endangering public safety within the zone. Initially, Zhongfu International was appointed as an interim manager, but later investigations revealed that the firm had misrepresented facts to undermine its competitor, China Africa Investment FXE.
Following a diplomatic note from the Chinese government in 2016, the Ogun State government recognized China Africa Investment FXE as the legitimate investor. Amosun emphasized that Zhongfu International lost multiple legal battles in Nigerian courts and accused the company of attempting to unlawfully appropriate state-owned assets.
Amosun urged the Nigerian government to handle this situation similarly to the P&ID case, where the country successfully defended its sovereign assets.
He reiterated his readiness to assist in any capacity to prevent Nigeria from being scammed by Zhongfu International or any other entity.
“This is unacceptable to all people of goodwill and must not be allowed to stand,” Amosun concluded, stressing that the Federal Government should not entertain any negotiations with the firm.
