By Biola Lawal
Oshogbo (Flowerbudnews): Osun State Government has tabled the very serious issues it has against the Mining Company, Segilola Resources Operating Ltd, before the fact-finding delegation from the Federal Ministry of Mining for possible amicable resolution.
(Deputy Governor Adewusi receiving an acknowledgement letter from the delegation)
The Special Adviser (SA) to Gov. Ademola Adeleke on Mining, Prof. Lukman Jimoda who spoke first at the meeting with the delegation on Friday said that Osun State’s complain were majorly three, namely; Tax Evasion, Environmental Pollution/damage and Shareholding.
(Prof. Lukman Jimoda, Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Mining)
Prof. Jimoda alleged that Segilola Mining has evaded payment of tax to the state government to the tune of about N3.25 Billion naira.
FLOWERBUDNEWS reports that the meeting was presided over by the Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi and was attended by several stakeholders in the state, including some members of the state House of Assembly, Consultants in the Mining sector among others
(Dep. Gov. Adewusi and other officials in group photograph with the delegation)
Prof. Jimoda explained that Osun state had an accumulated 5.1 Million bonus shares with Segilola, stressing, ”let’s face the fact, Segilola has not been sincere with us and has encroached on our licence”.
The Special Adviser on Mining told the Federal Government Delegation that Segilola ”has heavily polluted our air, water and land,” alleging further that the company has been operating six other firms which were not disclosed to the Osun state government.
Prof. Jimoda stressed that the State Government had endured the Company’s alleged transgressions for about two years,” saying to the Federal Government delegation, ”we respect you, so please be neutral and sincere,.
The Leader of the delegation, Engr. Imam Ganiyu assured that the delegation was in the state for an amicable resolution of the disagreement between the state government and the company.
Engr. Ganiyu urged the Prof. Jimoda, the SA to the Governor to furnish the delegation with any additional information and evidence that would help it on the matter.
Deputy Governor Adewusi stated the commitment of Governor Adeleke to finding an amiable, but just solution to the company’s alleged transgressions against Osun State
”Osun is the most peaceful state in the country,” Deputy Governor Adewusi said, but cautioned, ”but we should not be taken for granted”.
The delegation is expected to also meet separately with representatives of Segilola to hear their side of the case to enhance its task. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)
