Olu of Warri’s Rep Frowns At Chevron Pipeline Attack, Calls For Calm

The Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri and Liaison Officer to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and its Joint Venture (JV) Partners, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, has expressed deep concern over the rising discontent among host communities, particularly in Warri South West, Warri North, and Warri South, regarding employment practices at Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL). The representative has been actively engaging with Chevron to address the issue of unemployment among the Itsekiri people.

In a statement, the representative strongly condemned the recent destruction of a Chevron pipeline in the Dibi-Olero-Abiteye Fields, which has been claimed by the Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM). The statement clarified that the NDLM is not recognized by the Itsekiri Nation, emphasizing that the group does not represent the people or their interests.

“The attack on Chevron’s pipeline facilities is completely alien to the ideology of the Itsekiri struggle, which seeks a better deal for our people in terms of employment, infrastructure, and welfare,” the statement read.

The statement also noted that His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, sympathizes with Chevron over the pipeline attack and has urged the youth to remain calm and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions.

“This office is actively engaged with Chevron to address the ongoing unemployment issues. While we understand the frustration of our youth, violence and lawlessness are not the answer,” the statement continued.

The representative reiterated the commitment of the Itsekiri people to maintaining a safe and conducive environment for oil and gas operations in the region, stressing the importance of continuing lawful negotiations with Chevron.

“We remain committed to engaging Chevron and other oil companies operating in Warri Kingdom to ensure that qualified Itsekiris are absorbed into the workforce. The destruction of Chevron’s pipeline facilities is in no way connected to the legal channels we are pursuing to resolve the employment issues,” the statement concluded.

The representative further called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the pipeline attack and bring those responsible to justice, while reaffirming the Itsekiri Nation’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and positive change.