By Emma Arubi, Warri
In a display of unprecedented unity, scores of Itsekiri and Urhobo youths have joined forces to shut down operations at the Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) office in Warri, Delta State. The protesters are demanding the immediate inauguration of the Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Communities Development Trust in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The protest, which commenced earlier this week, has now entered its fifth consecutive day without any response from CNL management, despite Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s intervention efforts. The demonstrators, comprising youths, women, and individuals of all ages, have erected canopies outside the CNL office along the NPA express road, effectively blocking entry and exit for CNL employees.
The Itsekiri group has set up a catafalque, while the Urhobo group has arranged a table for sacrificial rites, featuring a goat head and libations of hot drinks. Displaying placards and chanting war songs, the protesters emphasize their commitment to a peaceful demonstration.
Speaking on behalf of the Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Communities Development Trust, Hon. Oti Edukugho Esq. expressed frustration over CNL’s failure to inaugurate the trust, despite its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Edukugho stated that the trust was officially registered on May 29, 2024, following extensive processes and nominations by host communities.
“We have continuously requested CNL to inaugurate the duly registered HCDT, its trustees, and Board,” Edukugho explained. “Our sole demand is for CNL to promptly inaugurate the registered HCDT so that the host communities can begin benefiting from developmental projects and other associated advantages.
“The absence of the awaited Board of Trustees is causing undue restiveness in our communities knowing fully well that we have already wasted almost a year in the pursuit of the registration,” a letter signed by Mr. Slim Eburajolo, Mr. George Iluwa, Engr. Clement Carpe, Mr. Atie Oneyor and Dr. Mike Eyide, noted.
“As you may be aware, protests, albeit peaceful ones, have already commenced in the Host Communities with calls for the immediate inauguration of the Board and the implementation of the development envisaged by the PIA.
“It is imperative that the Board of Trustees be immediately inaugurated so that the benefits envisaged by the PIA can percolate to the Communities.
“The alternative cannot be contemplated as the citizens of the Communities have almost reached their forbearance limits,” the letter stressed.
Messrs Magbaja Egudje, a former youth president of Ekpan community and Alfred Mosanjuaghan Igbiaye who spoke later on Thursday reiterated their struggle for the gross and unacceptable and unimaginable deprivation by way of lack of employment, job opportunities and underdevelopment being wrecked on both tribes Chevron deploying a shrewd divide and rule tactics, saying they have realized themselves and decided to put a stop to the nonsense once and for all.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities of CNL who promised to get across to the protesters on Thursday failed to turn up just as the protesters are insisting that only officials of CNL from the headquarters in Lagos can address the vex issues as the Warri official of CNL are allegedly full of deceit.
The protesters remain steadfast in their demands, urging CNL to take immediate action in compliance with the legal requirements outlined in the PIA. The standoff at the CNL office underscores the growing tensions between the oil company and the local communities, highlighting the pressing need for dialogue and resolution to address the grievances of the Itsekiri and Urhobo youths.
