*JTF arrests community spokesman, Chief Emami
Emma Amaize & Emma Arubi
04 February 2013, Sweetcrude, WARRI — Men of Joint military Task Force, JTF, code-named Operation Pulo Shield, Sunday, arrested Niger Delta youth leader and businessman, Chief Ayiri Emami, over the shutdown of Chevron Nigeria Limited’s gas pipeline project in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The project was reportedly shut down by aggrieved indigenes of Ugborodo community, who were protesting the company’s failure to provide electricity to the town.
Chief Emami is the spokesperson of Ugborodo Community Trust, a community development group.
Ugborodo community, which hosts the multi-billion dollars Escrasvos-Gas-to-Liquid project, has had a running battle with Chevron over electricity.
The Presidency intervened in the feud last year when it summoned the company and representatives of the community to Abuja for a peace parley.
At the meeting, Chevron was directed to supply stable and sustainable power from its tank farm to Ugborodo and Gbaramatu communities, as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Vice President Namadi Sambo and Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, played major roles in the mediation.
Government, however, charged the communities to maintain the peace to allow for smooth and unhindered operations by Chevron.
A prominent leader in the community, Ayiri, was arrested because he was believed to be one of the unseen forces behind the protest.
