Egbema Offshore Communities Gives 3-Day Ultimatum to Chevron
By Wilson Macaulay
The Concerned Egbema Offshore Communities in Delta State have issued a stern 3-day ultimatum to Chevron Nigeria Limited, citing neglect of existing agreements.
This terse message was contained a communique issued and signed by
Comrade Mike J.K Tiemo, Mr. Ebi Zibor, Mr. Timi David, Mr. Thompson Abanara and five other community leaders, made available to Daily lndependent Newspaper.
The Egbema offshore Communities are demanding for the immediate fulfillment of various obligations, warning of potential disruptions of Chevron’s operations if their grievances are not addressed promptly wihin the stipulated 3Day ultimatum.
The strongly worded demands include the full provision of benefits from various ventures, due to the diversion of employment slots and other juicy opportunuties, provision of accrued funds for the Egbema offshore communities development project dating back to 2008, domiciled in Fidelity Bank lying fallow and
refusal to adhere to the registratrtion procedure for community development trust in respect
of the enacted PIA Act 2022 section
316.
The communitty noted that they nominated two board of trustee nominees to Chevron as requested but the Management have not
expedited action uptill date for just to create rancour and industrial disharmony between Chevron and the
Egbema offshore Communities.
The angry Egbema People are also demading for their fair share of employment opportunities for indigenes and the allocation of slots as promised by Chevron.
While making themselves clear that the Ultimatum is not a threat but real, the Communities issued a warning thus:
” We therefore solemnly advise and urge Chevron Nig. Ltd., that the needful and rightful thing should be done as soon as possible in the interest of peace without any further delay within the stipulated time frame on or before 6 th March, 2024 because “A cow that produces milk, if assassinated, there will be no milk to be extracted or produced. Furthermore ,Chevron Nig. Ltd. manipulation should stop, or they will see the wrath of the Egbema Offshore Communities.”
The Chevron host Communities maintained that the basic facts that occasioned and warranted the prompt action targeted to be taken against Chevron Nigeria Limited is due to the aforementioned paramount demands that were referred for mutual discussion, understanding and amicable resolution previously before the said and slated meetings which were all to no avail.
According to the Communique, over 150 recruitment/Employment of workers were done in “WAREHOUSE, MECBANICAL INTEGRITY (IM), FM, DRILLING, MARINE etc, not to mention the direct intake both at the Tank-Farm, EGTL turn around maintenance, offshore support and supply of equipment such as cranee, jack up vessels, Tug barges, seagoing vessels and folk lifts which were carried out without any consideration and empowerment for their competent folks, indigenes, stakeholders and indigenous registered contractors.
Additionally, the ultimatum notice highlighted unresolved issues such as the non-delivery of promised Christmas food items and reimbursement for expenses incurred due to Chevron’s delays and impediments done in a manner that is provocative.
While emphasizing that their ultimatum is not a threat but a serious call for action, the Egbema offshore communities urged Chevron Nigeria Limited to act swiftly to avoid escalation.
They reminded Chevron of the proverbial wisdom that timely action prevents further complications.
The also demanded that Chevron respects their rights and fulfills its obligations without delay, asserting that the Egbema offshore Communities will not tolerate any further disregard for their well-being because enough is enough and a stitch on time saves nine.
In conclusion, the Egbema offshore communities reaffirmed their commitment to justice and vowed to resist any further injustices stressing that the 3 Day ultimatum remains standing unless Chevron do the needful
to improve on their well being.
