NAN-H-64
Pipeline
By Edeki Igafe
Warri (Delta), May 22, 2017 (NAN) The Gbaramatu Traditional Council has faulted the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) forensic investigation on its ruptured pipeline in Delta.
The Acting Secretary of the council, Mr Godspower Gbenekama, made this known in Warri, Delta, on Monday while reacting to the purported claim by NGC that the ruptured equipment was as a result of “third party interference”.
Gbenekama said that the alleged ruptured pipeline could have occurred as a result of equipment failure as against the “third party interference “, declared by the NGC.
The pipeline was alleged to have ruptured on May 20, at about 2:00 p.m. in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri in South-West Local Government Area of Delta.
The incident was said to have occurred few metres away from Camp Five in Benekrukru community.
The traditional ruler faulted the process of investigation, saying the oil company would have involved the traditional rulers in the course of investigation.
Gbenekama, who is also referred to as Benemowei (chief mobiliser) of Gbaramatu Kingdom said that no Gbaramatu persons could indulge in such unwholesome activities to sabotage government assets.
“Gbaramatu people have no reasons whatsoever to “bridge” and “destroy” any pipeline or government facilities in its domain.
“The pipeline may have ruptured due to equipment failure or by our enemies.
“The gas pipeline ruptured at the same time when the military was testing their weapons along the waterways thereby causing serious tension within the area.
“Nobody, not even the militants have claimed responsibility for the ruptured pipeline,” he said.
Gbenekama said that some perceived enemies of the kingdom were using every means to scuttle the approved Maritime University in Okerenkoko, one of the communities in Gbaramatu.
He, however, assured that the traditional rulers would strive to ensure that peace was sustained in the once volatile kingdom. (NAN)
EDI/OFN/GY
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Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Grace Yussuf
Pipeline rupture: Gbaramatu faults company's forensic investigation
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