Delta community threatens to shut down Chevron’s operations

The Ugborodo community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday threatened to shut down oil operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited, over alleged ill-treatment of its people. In a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, drawing his attention to alleged ill-treatment the people said they may be forced to shut down the oil company´s operations if their demands are not met.

In a statement jointly signed by Benson Dube Omadeli, the Olaja-Orori of Ugborodo Land; Daniel Omagbemi Ogbiji Uwawah, the Aguominda of Ugborodo Community and Pa AndersonEbiekutan, Secretary, Ugborodo Community Council of Elders, the community also said they are writing to notify the president about attempts to encroach on their lands by their neighbours.

While calling on the president to direct management of Chevron to return contracts originally awarded to indigenous companies and stop recruitment of strangers for jobs done by locals, they said even the managing director of the company never deemed it fit to visit the community whenever he is around.

The community also lamented the recruitment policy of Chevron in which many qualified indigenes are allegedly being sacked on a weekly basis while smuggling in strangers.

“We are constrained to write you this open letter, with a view to drawing your attention to fresh attempts to encroach on our God-given land, in a provocative manner, by a section of our immediate neighbour and to also intimate you of our resolve to shut down operations of international oil and gas companies, particularly Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) operating in our homeland 21 days after the date of this correspondent, if the Chevron Nigeria Limited, failed to return contracts originally awarded to our indigenous companies and stop recruitment of stranger elements for jobs done by locals (Ugborodo indigenes). (Daily Independent: Excludes headline)