By Godwin Anene
The Rivers State Government has acquired the crisis-ridden Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 in Ogoniland of the state.
Governor Nyesom Wike announced the acquisition of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) 45% operating stakes on Monday.
Wike, in a brief state broadcast moments ago said his administration has also made a $150Million bid for purchase of some other interest of SPDC, now placed on auction by extant Order of the Courts of Law on the lease.
He said it is in Rivers best interest to fully make the acquisition because “it has become unlikely that for peace and security, the people of Ogoni in Rivers will welcome SPDC on their land forming part of OML 11” over decades of conflict with host communities which has forced Shell out for past 25 years.
Details shortly