Ozobo, IPDI Demand Review of Chevron Recruitments Exercise to Avert Tension in Niger Delta, Cite Exclusion of Ijaw Youth

• Describes It As lopsided, discriminatory, direct affront to Ijaw people

•Cites breach of principle of local content, federal character, GMoU agreement

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, has condemned the alleged exclusion of Ijaw indigenes in the recent employment exercise conducted by Chevron Nigeria Limited, warning that the development could trigger tension in the Niger Delta if not urgently addressed.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the National President of IPDI, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the group described the recruitment process as “lopsided, discriminatory and a direct affront to the Ijaw people” who host several of Chevron’s operational facilities in Delta and Bayelsa States.

According to Ozobo, credible reports reaching the organization indicate that Ijaw youths and qualified graduates from Ijaw host communities were sidelined during the exercise, despite the principle of local content, federal character, and the GMoU agreement guiding Chevron’s operations in the region.

“We are alarmed and disappointed that Chevron would conduct a major employment exercise without due consideration for Ijaw sons and daughters from host communities. This is unacceptable. The Ijaw nation contributes immensely to oil and gas production in Nigeria and deserves fair treatment,” Ozobo stated.

The IPDI President argued that the exclusion negates the spirit of peaceful coexistence and corporate social responsibility that oil companies are expected to uphold in their host communities.

He noted that the Niger Delta has enjoyed relative peace in recent years due to deliberate efforts by stakeholders, and that acts of marginalization in employment could erode the gains and provoke youth restiveness.

“Chevron must understand that peace in the Niger Delta is fragile. You cannot continue to explore oil from Ijaw land, make billions, and then deny our people employment opportunities. This is a recipe for crisis,” he warned.

Ozobo called on Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, to immediately review the recruitment list and ensure equitable representation of Ijaw indigenes from impacted communities.

He also urged the Federal Government, Delta and Bayelsa State Governments, and traditional rulers to intervene to prevent escalation.

“We are giving Chevron a few times to address this injustice. Failure to do so, we will be left with no option but to mobilize Ijaw youths across all Chevron operational areas for a peaceful protest. We do not want a crisis, but we will not fold our hands and watch our people be treated as second-class citizens in their own land,” Ozobo added.

The IPDI boss further appealed to Ijaw youths to remain calm and peaceful while the organization engages relevant authorities, stressing that violence would not solve the problem but dialogue and fairness would.

However, attempt to reach out to the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited for comments proved abortive.