Itsekiri, Urhobo Youths Disrupt Chevron Operations in Delta Over Alleged PIA Violation

Sylvester Idowu in Warri 

Scores of Itsekiri and Urhobo youths yesterday joined forces to disrupt operations at the Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) office in Warri, Delta State over alleged Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) violation.

The protesters were demanding the immediate inauguration of the Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Communities Development Trust in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

The protest 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, erected canopies outside the CNL office along the NPA Express Road, effectively blocking entry and exit for CNL employees.

Displaying placards and chanting war songs, the protesters emphasise their commitment to a peaceful demonstration.

Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Communities Development Trust, Hon. Oti Edukugho, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, expressed frustration over CNL’s failure to inaugurate the trust, despite its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He disclosed 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 said, adding “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.

A former youth president of Ekpan community, Magbaja Egudje, and Alfred Mosanjuaghan Igbiaye 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 with Chevron deploying a shrewd divide and rule tactics.

They maintained that they have realised 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 yesterday failed to turn up just as the protesters were insisting that only officials of the firm from the headquarters in Lagos can address the issues as the Warri officials were allegedly full of deceit.