By Francis Sadhere
The Chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation EGCDF, Chief Michael Johnny has warned against the disruption of the operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited CNL.
He implored security operatives to be on the red alert for those warning up to halt the operations of the American oil giant that has come several attacks from suspected Niger Delta militants.
Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, had threatened to shut down operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, if the company fails to address the marginalization of the community in seven days.
The Chairman of Benikrukru Community, Victor Eseimieghan had on Wednesday in a statement, accused Chevron of marginalising the community in the areas of contracts, employment and corporate social responsibility, CSR.
Part of the statement had read thus; “In the light of the foregoing, the Chevron Nigeria limited and government is hereby given a seven- day ultimatum to address these grievances or the Benikrukru community would have no other option than to shut down the operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited in the Abiteye field.
But Chairman of the Chevron sponsored EGCDF, Chief Johnny cautioned seriously against the seven days ultimatum to the Company, saying there were laid down rules that must be followed.
He made it clear that the ultimatum to the Company was uncalled for, pointing out that the Company entered into Global Memorandum of Understanding GMoU between it, the Delta State Government and the Communities.
He said Chevron never breached the terms of the GMOU, adding that it was therefore wrong for the Chairman of Benikrukru Community and others to threatened the smooth operations of the Company.
Chief Johnny stated that any grievances against the Company must be rooted through the EGCDF, saying this was not done by the Chairman of Benikrukru Community and his EXCO.
The EGCDF boss said; “No Community under the GMOU has the right to shut down the operations of Chevron and those issues raised in the ultmatum given to the Company are not true. The Company has lived to the terms of the GMOU and even right now four projects are about to kick off for the people of Benikrukru and people of Abitaye”.
Chief Johnny added that;” The Chairman of the Benikrukru Community is not working for the interest of the Community, he is out on a selfish mission and as the Chairman of the EGCDF, I am imploring our Security Operatives to treat those planning disruption of the operations of the Company had criminals.”
“The Nigerian economy is very bad at the moment as a result of the Criminals activities of militants and we cannot afford further disruption of the operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited. Should there be a threat to peace and operations of the Company, we are going to hold the Chairman of Benikrukru Community and his EXCO responsible”, he said.
Chief Johnny also said;” We have a working agreement with Chevron Nigeria Limited and as a result of this, people cannot just wake up from the wrong side of the bed and vent their frustrations on the Company and if there are issues at all, they must be passed through the EGCDF and it is my duty as the Chairman to intervene between the Company and the Communities. People should not take laws into their hands, enough is enough to the disruption of the operations of the Company”.
