snayeman,
That post drilling break seems company policy with SNP personnel. It is what I was told and told in good faith....and I confess that I too, was surprised. However I take it (coupled withe the various intervening holidays)as pragmatic fact....others can dismiss it for reasons more appealing to the conspiracy minded.
As for your argument about SNP holding the cards and hence making the extension request....you seem to forget that SNP may be the top honcho in the JDZ, but there are numerous other players in the Zone who may not have yet decided whether to make the required (financial mostly)committment or not. And as most are Nigerian, I am sure the JDZ would lend them a hearing.
spp119