Youths fear job loss, protest planned closure of Chevron logistics base at Onne
Youths, under the aegis of the Onne Youth Council, yesterday, staged a protest at Chevron shore/logistics base located in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, Rivers State over planned closure of the base.
They carried placards with various inscriptions, appealing to Chevron to rescind its decision to relocate its logistics base from Onne, as the move could have dire economic consequences on the community with many losing their livelihood.
The President of council, Tobiah Silas Tete, who led the protest, said their visit to the base was to submit a letter of appeal to Chevron management to reconsider the decision to relocate its logistics support base from Onne to throw the community and Rivers State into economic hardship.
“This news came to us as a shock, considering the strategic role the company plays in our daily lives, especially as the company has enjoyed very warm and cordial relationship with our peaceful and welcoming communities for more than 30 years.”
“The Logistics/Shore Base is a major employer of labour in our community, providing thousands of direct and indirect jobs to our men and women.
“We, therefore, appeal to you to kindly halt the ongoing relocation to avert unnecessary economic hardship on persons and families in the communities that have hosted your Logistics Base and supported your operations peacefully and harmoniously for many years,” he said.
The council president urged Chevron to enter into dialogue with the affected communities to discuss this important issue and see how to continue to work together.
He also appealed to Governor Nyesom Wike, President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman of Eleme Council, security operatives and all well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in this matter by prevailing on Chevron to suspend the planned closure in order not to disrupt the peace in the Niger Delta region.
