05 October 2012, Sweetcrude, WARRI – AGGRIEVED youths of Ebgema and Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri, Delta State, have halted their plan to shut Chevron Nigeria facilities in their communities over alleged non-employment of their graduates and indiscriminate sack of indigenes.
They said the temporary suspension was due to pleas from monarchs, elders, the state and Federal governments, and Chevron’s top management.
Operating under KOMBOT Employment Front, the umbrella body representing Ebgema and Gbaramatu graduates, the youths had a fortnights ago threatened to shut Chevron facilities in Egbema and Gbaramatu Kingdom.
A statement by Messrs Ojusin Innocent, Bebenimibo Alex and Nimi Peter, Chairman, Secretary and Public Relations Officer of the group, respectively, said it was taking seriously the pronouncement made by Chevron’s top management during the discussion with its delegation on September 25.
The oil firm was said to have stated categorically that the group’s demands would be looked into and amicably resolved within two weeks.
The statement said: “We therefore, reduce our Defense Advisory System, DAS, from Severe (Red) to High (Orange) and advice our tactical committees in the various communities of Egbema/Gbaramatu Kingdom to stay action for now.
“We know that recruitment is ongoing, while we are waiting and our patience has limits.
“Any resolution by Chevron falling short of our demands will be vigorously and vehemently resisted, as we will and shall not shift grounds on the immediate employment of our successful graduates.”