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Conoil: Ondo community accuses oil firm of shunning negotiations

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2 years ago

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The Asere community in Arogbo-Ijaw in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State has expressed concern over the threat to peace and security of their environment by an indigenous oil firm, Conoil Producing Limited.

The people claimed that the oil firm was forcing its way to carry out oil operations around their environment without adherence to the procedures and guidelines prescribed by the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

This was contained in a joint statement signed by the leaders of the communities, including the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Ondo State chapter, Bonsuwe Ominidougha; Chairman of INC, Lagos State chapter, Ebitimi Dio-Posibi; and Chairman of Arogbo-Ijaw Community Organisation, James Ashida.

They stated that Conoil had refused to directly hold discussions and negotiations with the host community, Asere, despite efforts by the people to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the area.
The community has, therefore, called on the Federal Government to intervene and caution Conoil as all attempts for a meeting with the oil company in Lagos were treated with disdain and contempt by its officials.

The statement read in part, “We want to notify the Federal Government and the world at large that Conoil Producing Limited’s impending oil operations in Asere Community, Arogbo-Kingdom, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, Ondo State, have constituted threats to peace and security.
“This is necessitated by the company’s approach without due process.”

The oil-host community complained that Conoil’s brazen impunity had resulted in protests, which had been countered with brute force, intimidation and harassment of residents.

They warned that the tactics deployed by Conoil to arrest, detain and brutalise the aggrieved sons and daughters of the community for staging protests against the invasion of their land with extractive activities are inimical to the peace and security of Asere and its environs.

“The Conoil Producing Limited has not directly negotiated with land owners, the host community (Asere community). This has generated a lot of protests which have been countered by arrests and the use of naked and brute force against protesters.

“Up till today, there is no Environmental Impact Assessment in place. The EIA must be done by the Department of Petroleum Resources certified consultants, which involves the DPR representatives, Federal Ministry of Environment, landowners and the immediate community.
“Our attempts to meet with Conoil Producing Limited at its headquarters in Lagos were greeted with utter disdain and hostile rejections.

“As a result of this, we hereby, unreservedly submit that Conoil Producing Limited should suspend its planned operations in Asere community pending when all the issues mentioned above are amicably resolved.”

Efforts to get the comments of the spokesman for Conoil, Abiodun Azeez, on Monday, proved abortive as someone, who answered a call placed on his phone by our correspondent claimed that he (Azeez) was in a meeting as of the time of filing this report.

 

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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9 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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21 hours ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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22 hours ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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