PDP, APC Trade Words Over Revenue From Osun Mining Coys

Osun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of colluding with those depriving Osun State of legitimate returns from her huge mineral deposits, castigating the party for protecting Segilola and other mining companies over the pillaging of the state’s resources.

The state chapter of APC had in response to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s comments on loss of revenue from the mining sector by the state government in past years said the statements were made out of ignorance and mischief designed to embarrass previous governors of the state.

The party through its acting chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal said,  “Contrary to Governor Adeleke’s claim that Segilola Company and other operating companies in the state are expected to pay Osun State 13 percent derivation on the value of gold and other minerals resources produced in the last 25 years in the state, the correct information is that miners don’t pay derivation to state.

“The miners pay royalty, ranging from three per cent to five per cent of every ounce of gold or solid minerals extracted in the state, to the federal government because mining is under the Exclusive List or authority of the federal government,”  Lawal stated.

However, accusing APC of holding brief for the mining companies to protect exposure of its complicity in mining banditry, the PDP through its caretaker chairman, Dr Akindele Adekunle, expressed shock that the state APC could come out to defend mining companies who are perpetrating large scale fleecing of Osun resources.

“We are not surprised as there are credible reports on how the mining companies regularly settle top officials of the APC and its government. When the People’s Governor now exposes the nest of corruption, the state APC cannot even disguise itself to manifest its complicity. Osun people have taken judicious note of APC condoning and facilitating the fleecing of Osun natural resources.’’