Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria LNG Limited and the Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council, Mr. Vincent Job, have disagreed on the gas pipeline rupture which rocked Egbada in Omoku main town, discharging toxic fumes into the atmosphere.
While the Council boss has blamed NLNG for the gas leaks, the management of NLNG has denied that the ruptured gas pipeline was an asset of the company.
Recall that the gas pipeline rupture, which according to the locals became noticeable since week ago, occurred after a loud bang was heard from the pipeline, resulting in a persistent gas leakage in the area.
When contacted, NLNG Acting General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Charles Epelle, said, “The pipeline referenced in your enquiry is not an NLNG asset.”
While no operator has laid claim to the leaking gas pipeline, as of the time of filing this report, the gas leakage is yet to be clamped, as high-pressure gas continues to diffuse into the environment, causing panic among residents of the area.
However, the Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council, Mr. Vincent Job, said the development was worrisome and particularly blamed NLNG for refusing to clamp the leaking pipeline.
Job maintained that gas leaks have exposed NLNG, which hitherto denied operating any pipeline in ONELGA, assuring that his administration would do everything legally possible to protect the lives and properties of the people in his LGA.
He said, “The gas leakage is not the Council problem, it is the NLNG problem. NLNG pipeline has leaked in that place and you people are making it look like it’s the Council’s problem. We have made frantic efforts to get NLNG on the matter, but NLNG is not doing anything about it. Will I go and picket on NLNG? NLNG and Agip are involved, and we have gotten in touch with them, but they are not forthcoming. We have informed them that their gas pipeline has erupted in Omoku and they should come and remedy it.
“I have gotten in touch with one Michael Igoni who works with NLNG to inform their management. In the past, NLNG has always claimed that they don’t have any installation in ONELGA, but as this happened, we informed them about it over three days ago.”
