- Segilola Owes Osun N1.2bn Tax, Not N93m – Adeleke’s Spokesperson
The Osun State Government and mining giant, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) have once again disagreed over the outcome of the resolution on the company’s activities in the state’s mining sector.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that both parties, after a mediation brokered by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake with Governor Ademola Adeleke and officials of Segilola Gold in attendance, resolved to work together, after Osun was presented with its certificate as one of the shareholders of Thor Explorations Limited, SROL’s parent company.
In a statement on Wednesday, SROL maintained that the agreement was reached in line with the findings of a 12-man Inter-Ministerial Fact-Finding Committee report on the dispute with the state government, which cleared it of environmental degradation and alleged non-compliance with legal and regulatory provisions.
The statement signed by its Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, also quoted the clarifications of the report which according to him clarified that the ₦3.2 billion tax invoice previously issued to SROL was invalid, with the committee recommending that the revised tax invoice of ₦98.3 million undergo final reconciliation to ensure a fair resolution.
According to the statement; “The report affirms what we have maintained from the outset – SROL has acted in full compliance with its legal and regulatory obligations, and the allegations of wrongdoing were unfounded.
“The report also clarified that the ₦3.2 billion tax invoice previously issued to SROL was invalid, with the committee recommending that the revised tax invoice of ₦98.3 million undergo final reconciliation to ensure a fair resolution.
“On environmental concerns, the committee found no evidence of environmental degradation caused by SROL, ruling out any justification for additional environmental levies.
READ ALSO
- Segilola Resources Operating Limited Acknowledges Inter-Ministerial Fact-Finding Report, Reaffirms Commitment to Osun State’s Development
- Osun Ends Rift With Thors Exploration, Secures Segilola Shareholding
“As part of its long-term commitment to Osun State, SROL reaffirmed its dedication to supporting local communities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and Community Development Agreements (CDA),” Menegbo said.
- Segilola Owes Osun N1.2bn Tax, Not N93m – Adeleke’s Spokesperson
However, Adeleke’s Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed in a statement on Thursday said the new deal with SROL is not backed by any investigative report.
Rasheed said contrary to the company’s claims, agreement reached at the meeting with Alake included Segilola agreeing to pay N1.2 billion (as PAYEE alone), review of Osun’s claim on environmental audit, handing over the share certificate to the state among others.
The state government also denied being privy to the report of the Inter-Ministerial Report committee describing as untrue, claims that Osun has agreed to the terms contained in the report.
Rasheed said, “ The meeting further resolved many grey areas including better communication, serving as liaison office for correspondences on tax assessments/demand notices for companies operating within Segilola premises, assurance by the Osun government to support seamless operation by Segilola among other positive developments.
“We are therefore surprised to read sponsored reports from saboteurs who never wish Osun well pushing out a report which even the Minister said cannot provide a sustainable basis for resolving the disputes.
“Whether those eager to deny Osun legitimate earnings for her development like it or not, a new paradigm has been reached. Osun is now an official shareholder in Thors Exploration Limited and Thors Exploration is to enjoy a positive operational environment. We have the shares and we know, if it were to be them, they would have commenced a process of selling the shares.
“Osun got a better deal, it is no longer shares in Tropical Mines Ltd but shares in Thor Exploration and had an opportunity to present its Environmental Audit Report. As a shareholder of Thors Exploration, things can only get better as insiders and we do not hope to spoil the goodwill that exists between the two parties.
“We commend the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake for his steadfastness and patriotic stance and demonstration of commitment to mining reforms and the resolution of the dispute. We also applaud the directors of Segilola Gold project for their openness and readiness to partner and cooperate with the state government. This deal is a headache for haters of Osun development.
“Members of the public are therefore enjoined to ignore the fake news from the enemies of Osun state who prefer lining their pockets with illicit gold than seeing Osun with more funds for her development,” the government stated further.
When OSUN DEFENDER reached out to representatives of Segilola Resources Operating Limited for a reaction on the state government’s statement, they declined comments on the matter.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
