Nigerians Question Quick Resumption of Operations at Gokana 3 Days After Explosion

The Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) has resumed operations just three days after an explosion rocked a section of the pipeline along the Bodo-Bonny road in Rivers State. However, many Nigerians are questioning how such a critical oil transport line could be assessed, repaired, and recommissioned quickly.

The explosion, which occurred Monday night, led to a temporary pipeline shutdown, raising concerns about environmental damage and oil supply disruptions. However, Tony Okonedo, spokesperson for Renaissance Group, confirmed to TheCable on Wednesday that operations had resumed after what he described as “a response to third-party interference.”

However, scepticism is growing on social media. Many Nigerians believe the timeline of the repairs is too short to be realistic.

A user on X, @blackduck89, questioned the speed of the repair process, writing:

Reportedly blown up on Monday. That means it took 3 days to assess the damage, shut down and isolate the line, remove and replace damaged section(s), weld and coat, then pressure test before commissioning. Very interesting.

Another user, @uriel_gentle, pointed out that coating alone should take more than 24 hours, adding:

Only coating alone needs 24 hours plus, cause it has like 3 different layers and each must dry before applying the next

Doubts continued to spread, with @ogbode_ posting:

Thought it was blown up on Monday!! How did they assess all the damages in three (3) days, shut down and isolate the damaged lines, remove and replace damaged pipes and other stuff, fix everything, and re-commission back to normal all in 3 days… !!!

The TNP is a vital oil transport channel supplying crude to the Bonny export terminal. The explosion came at a politically charged time in Rivers State, where President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State following an escalating crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

This declaration sparked intense reactions, with opposition leaders, legal experts, and citizens condemning the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

The quick resumption of operations has sparked further speculation, with some suggesting that the extent of the damage may not have been as severe as initially portrayed. Others wonder if full repairs were completed or if operational shortcuts were taken.

Read Also: Wahala Group Calls Fubara’s Suspension “Coup-de-soul” Says it is Unconstitutional and Tinubu is a Dictator. 

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