By Our Correspondent

The people of Benikrukru, an Ijaw community in Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State, have accused Chevron Nigeria Limited of divide and rule tactics to frustrate its protest over marginalization of the community in areas of contracts and employment by the oil firm.

The community asserted that no amount of divide and rule tactics allegedly being deployed by Chevron using the Chairman and Secretary of the Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, Michael Johnny and Jude Ukori respectively, would stop it from shutting down the Abiteye oil field if Chevron fails to address its demand before the ultimatum elapses.

The Chairman of Benikrukru community, Victor E. Eseimieghan, and his Secretary, Boan Roland Ojogun, spoke while reacting to statement credited to Johnny and Ukori.

Johnny and Ukori had in a statement on Friday called on Chevron to disregard the ultimatum issued by Benikrukru Community because it does not enjoy the support of the community and that security agents should be on alert.

The duo was quoted to have also said that if the Benikrukru Community has grievances, they should channel them through the EGCDF.

But reacting, Eseimieghan and Ojogun in a statement on Saturday and made available to our correspondent said ordinarily they would have ignored the Johnny-led EGCDF, but decided to respond to emphasise the community’s resolve.

According to them, the leadership of the EGCDF, which Chevron is allegedly trying to use to thwart its genuine protest, has no business with the running of Benikrukru Community nor has it contrary to Johnny’s claim carried out any developmental project in Benikrukru community in the past three years under Johnny’s leadership.

The statement said: “The leadership of the Benikrukru Community wishes to insists and state that we stand by the ultimatum issued to Chevron Nigeria Limited to shut down Abiteye field if the grievances of the community are not addressed.

“This position was reaffirmed at an emergency meeting of the community held on Friday, the 19th day of August, 2016. We wish to also state that the leadership and people of Benikrukru Community, just like any other community in Chevron operational area are not answerable to the Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation.

“The EGCDF has no business with the running of Benikrukru Community and we strongly advise Chevron to stop their divide and rule strategy.

“There is no amount of divide and rule by Chevron that would stop us from fighting for our legitimate rights. Michael Johnny and Jude Ukori are not the spokespersons of Benikrukru community and should allow Benikrukru people to speak for themselves.

“The demands of the Benikrukru people are beyond the powers of the EGCDF. In any case, contrary to Mr. Johnny’s claim, the EGCDF has not carried out any developmental project in Benikrukru community in the past three years under Johnny leadership.

“The agitations of the Benikrukru Community for compliance with local content, dispute over land ownership, unresolved spill issues, employments, and other associated benefits are legitimate demands and the security agents have been put on notice of Chevron’s maltreatment of the Community.

“We call on the Michael Johnny led EGCDF to face its business and not interfere in the affairs of Benikrukru Community with Chevron. If Chevron ignores our ultimatum, they would be doing so at their own risk.”