Oil producing communities in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state have called on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a matter of urgency to call the Chevron Nigeria limited to order by meeting their demands or face attacks within the next 48 hours.
The communities under the auspices of the Amalgamation of Ilaje Ugbo Coastal Communities Association (AMAICOMMA), made the call on Monday in a petition written to Governor Akeredolu and made a copy available to journalists in Akure.
The petition which was signed by Wole Ogungbeje, Chairman and Kehinde Omoyele, Secretary said; “Our rational instincts always favoured dialogue as the best weapon in the resolution of crisis among men.
“This factor has played a dominant role in our interactions with Chevron Nigeria Ltd, though Chevron Nigeria Ltd is currently abusing our civil methods of handling issues as we have been taking for granted.
“Chevron has flagrantly refused to toe the path of peace by colluding with Obayelu and his cohorts who are currently parading and masquerading themselves as executive of a body (PIA) that has not been registered.
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“Chevron Nigeria Ltd in its usual ways of using divide and rule tactics, has been romancing with Obayelu led unregistered body to short-change the Ilaje nation by cornering and diverting our commonwealth.
“It is of interest to note that, immediately Obayelu appointed himself as the chairman of the trust, he swiftly registered as a contractor to Chevron so as to divert benefits for himself and his cohorts.
“Sir, Ilajes have not been known to act cowardly especially in the face of criminal provocation, blatant abuse and injustice perpetrated against the host community.
“It is a gross irresponsibility on the part of Chevron Nigeria Ltd to attract unnecessary and avoidable hostility to her investment in Ilaje land.
“Consequent upon Chevron’s affront, and lack of respect for the pursuit of peace in the resolution of this matter, we now issue a fresh notice, and final notice of 48 hours, for Chevron Nigeria Ltd to address all our requests and take appropriate actions to accommodate our demand as stated in all our previous correspondences. We reiterate that this window serves as the final opportunity to allow reason reign instead of resorting to violence.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we will take the battles to all Chevron facilities in our mandate area, all in the name of honouring the choice made by Chevron. While awaiting your intervention, please accept our warmest regards.”
