The Nigeria Anti-Corruption Vanguard had in a statement to DAILY POST called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe activities of Orion Agro Industries Nigeria Limited, alleging that the firm was been used by Saraki for illicit financial transactions since 2003.
But reacting in a statement to DAILY POST on Tuesday through its solicitors, the company said, “We are solicitors to Orion Agro Industries (Nigeria) Limited (“Our Client” or “Orion”).
“Our Client’s attention was drawn to your publication of 10th May 2019 under the subject caption, wherein many false statements were made in respect of Orion by a purported entity, “The Nigeria Anti-Corruption Vanguard”. Our Client has instructed us to write to set the record straight:
“Mr. Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is indeed an investor in Orion through Ba Stone Limited which holds a minority interest in Orion.
“Orion has never been a conduit for illicit financial transactions by Mr. Saraki. 3) Further, contrary to the reported allegations, Orion:has not been in business since the Year 2007 3.2. never enjoyed any tax holiday and never imported cigarettes tax-free does not have an import licence had the requisite approval from Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) when it was actively in business.
“However, as Orion has not been engaged in business since Year 2007, it was not necessary to maintain its approval with SON.
“Corporate papers of Orion are not shrouded in secrecy. Its corporate information can be accessed at the Corporate Affairs Commission by conducting a simple search.”
