The leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has backed the decision of the Osun State Government on the alleged unethical business practices and environmental infractions against Segilola Operating Resources Company Limited.
Blueprint recalls that the Osun State Government had during the week raised serious concerns about the operations of the Segilola Gold Project managed by subsidiaries of Thor Explorations Limited, a UK-based company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The government had alleged Segilola project of resisting to comply with extant laws like the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and the Company Income Tax Act (CITA) which govern tax levies.
It further expressed concerns over pollution, including particulate emissions and possible acid drains from waste rocks, which pose serious environmental risks to the state.
While also demanding the payment of accrued taxes and environmental development levies, as well as proper documentation for all involved parties.
Reacting to this move, NAPS in a statement issued by its Senate President Comrade Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope on Sunday, 29th of September, 2024 lauded the Osun government for standing against the โCompanyโs infractionsโ.
NAPS particularly frowned at environmental pollution.
Even as it vowed to mobilise a protest against the mining company.
The statement reads further:โฆNAPS Senate frown at Operations of Segilola Operating Resource Limited iperindo over not been Friendly to the Students community, the lackadaisical attitude towards the host community, air and water pollution which is becoming unbearable in the Community, the lives of the Citizens of the host community where some of our Students reside is no longer save, we are calling on Federal Government and Osun State Government to stop the Operation of Segilola for now until the right is done, the lives of the host Community is very important to Nation.
โThe Welfare and good health for the Citizens of the Host Community should be a priority of any organization and the Government.
โWe are asking for a Stop in the Operation of Segilola now or the Students will mobilize in thousands to lock the gate of Segilola on the 11th October 2024.โ