News
Court To Resume $406.7m Shipment Suit Against Shell
A Federal High Court will on June 6 resume trial in a suit filed by the Federal Government against Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd. over alleged 406.7 million dollars deprivation in crude oil shipment.
Our correspondent reports that the suit marked FHC/L/CS/336/16, was filed in Lagos by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN) on behalf of the Federal Government.
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nig. Ltd. and its subsidiary, Shell Western Supply & Trading Ltd. are defendants in the suit before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.
The trial was stalled yesterday following the absence of the judge, who is said to be on another official assignment.
In the suit, the Federal Government is claiming the sum of 406.7 million dollars from the defendants as shortfall of money paid by them into the Federal Government account.
The money was said to be for crude oil lifted by the defendants in 2013 and 2014.
The government said that the Anglo-Dutch company did not declare or under-declared crude oil shipments during the period.
It said that forensic analysis of bills of laden and shipping documents showed that Shell cheated Nigeria with regard to the revenue.
According to the government, experts tracked global movement of Nigeria’s hydro-carbons, including crude oil and gas, and identified that the companies engaged in practices that led to missing revenues from crude oil sales and gas export to different parts of the world.
The Federal Government said that the tracking also revealed discrepancies in the export records from Nigeria with the import records at US ports.
It averred that the undeclared shipments from January 2013 to December 2014 brought the total value of the entire shortfall to 406.75 million dollars.
It also alleged that the defendants failed to respond to its letter seeking clarification as regards the alleged discrepancies.
The Federal Government is therefore, seeking a court order to compel the two companies to pay the 406.7 million dollars.
The government is also asking Shell to pay general exemplary damages in the sum of 406.7 million dollars as well as the cost of the legal action.
The Federal Government had also sued Chevron, Total and Agip similarly before the court.
It is asking for a total of 12.7 billion dollars for alleged non-declaration of 57 million barrels of crude oil shipped to the U.S. from 2011 and 2014.
The oil companies are among 15 oil majors targeted by the government for the recovery of over 17 billion dollars in deprived revenue.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol