Shell denies shutting down operations over presidential polls result

The Management of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has denied reports that it shut down its flow stations in Bayelsa owing to fears of attack by aggrieved militants.

The SPDC's spokesperson, Mr Joseph Obari, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the operations of the oil firm were running but declined further details.

``Our operations are continuing and we will not comment on security issues.”

The reports had alleged that the oil firm acted to forestall attacks by militants aggrieved by Jonathan’s loss in the March 28, 2015 presidential polls.

Tunu, and Bensede Kussi flow stations operated by SPDC in  Southern Ijaw and Kolokumo/Opokum Local Government Areas Bayelsa were allegedly shut down due to security concerns.

However,  NAN sources at the Tunu flow station within SPDC’s oil fields in Bayelsa confirmed that the facility was shut down for operational reasons.

The source, who pleaded for  anonymity, said that the shutdown had nothing to do with anticipated attack by militants.

``Tunu flow station was shut down for operational reasons not because of threat by ex-militants.

``Can we not shut down for operational reasons, what is the big deal if Tunu station is closed down for operational reasons ?.

``I cannot understand why they are eager to drag Shell into all these.”