Egbema Offshore Communities Give 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 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 Independent Newspaper.

The Egbema offshore Communities are demanding the immediate fulfilment of various obligations, warning of potential disruptions of Chevron's operations if their grievances are not addressed promptly within 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 opportunities, 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 procedure for community development trust in respect

of the enacted PIA Act 2022  section

316.

The community noted that  they  nominated two board of trustee nominees to Chevron as requested but the Management  has not 

expedited action to date just to create rancour and industrial disharmony between Chevron and the

Egbema offshore Communities.

The angry  Egbema People are also demanding 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 6th 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 workers were done in “WAREHOUSE, MECHANICAL 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 cranes, 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 provocatively.

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.

They also demanded that Chevron respect their rights and fulfil 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 need to improve on their well-being.