Society Gists

The Senate on Tuesday began the process of resolving the competition crisis between two soft drinks manufacturers, Messrs 7-Up Bottling Company, makers of Pepsi; and Rites Foods Limited, makers of Bigi brands.

The Senate took the decision when representatives of the two soft drinks’ firms appeared before the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

They were invited by the panel led by Senator Ayo Akinyelure following a petition by the lawyers to the Rites Foods Limited against the 7-Up Bottling Company.

Rather than allowing the parties to defend their cases at a public hearing, the Senate panel decided to attend to them behind closed doors.

The meeting lasted two hours, and the two parties were asked to hold a meeting to resolve the conflict among them.

Akinyelure told journalists after the closed session that both parties have been asked to return in two weeks after their peace meeting.

He said, “We have been able to sit the two management together because we believe that the issue is a matter that can be resolved amicably through the instrument of alternative conflict resolution that will bring more results to the country.

“I decided to hold a closed-door meeting in my office with both parties and at the end of the meeting attended by senior members of the Senate.

“For a company that engages 2000 Nigerians with the other having 5,000 in her employment, it is our wish to see them progress and add more value to the country.

“We resolved in the committee and gave them two weeks to resolve the matter together, let them be friends.”