Simon Ebegbulem
31 December 2012, Sweetcrude, Benin – Some leaders of Egbema-Gbaramatu community in Delta State, have described as misleading, allegations of plot to blow up oil installations in the community due to purported leadership tussle in the area.
They called on the management of Chevron to disregard the alleged threat and go about its activities without fear.
Coalition for the Defence of Human Rights in Delta State had raised an alarm over plans by a faction in the leadership of the community to blow up oil pipelines in the area.
But reacting to the allegation, Counsel to Darlington Lelekumoh, Morrison Abisoko, Benjamin Ogbudu, Francis Ogbudu, Ebiwei Eyenmi, Matthew Polo and Clement Elebiri, Mr. Ugha Kurumah, said the allegation was untrue and an attempt to bring the name of his clients to disrepute.
Kurumah, in his statement to journalists in Benin City, weekend, alleged that the rights group was being used “to witch-hunt” his clients who, according to him, are the authentic leaders of the community. He said the bloc would communicate appropriately to Chevron when there is any change of the executive council.
He said: “We, therefore, call upon the management of Chevron to discountenance all allegations made, as it was mala fide, in bad faith, and that Chevron should go about its operations in the Egbema axis without any fear of molestation.
“Our clients have also instructed us to assert that they have got a long standing peaceful relationship with the management of Chevron Nigeria Ltd, including holding the duty of providing surveillance for all Chevron facilities in their vicinity and they will continue, as always, to explore every legitimate means to ensure continued safety of Chevron facilities in and around their vicinity.”
