From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has urged oil companies and host communities to adopt dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving disputes.
Oborevwori gave the charge when he received on courtesy visit, the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited led by Senior Corporate Affairs Advisor, Chevron International, Exploration and Production for Africa Region, Engr Esimaje Brikins, at the Government House, Asaba.
While congratulating Mr Brikins on his new appointment, the governor tasked his successor to understudy the operations and relationship with host communities and stakeholders.
He cautioned that he would not condone shutting down of oil facilities by host communities, adding that he would not tolerate oil companies oppressing the people.
“I believe you must have understanding of the terrain you operate. Chevron has been managing the place for a long time. It did not start today.
“Some companies did not survive it. They left. But Chevron is here operating, offshore and onshore, having understood the people and managed the system very well.
“When you are operating in a terrain like Delta State, if you are not knowledgeable enough to understand the people, you may not survive it.
“So my advice to the man who is taking over from you, is to go and look at the history of Chevron because it is not easy to manage people, especially the ethnic nationalities where they operate from. Anytime you call us to intervene we will. I will not allow any community to shut down any of the oil stations. It is something that I will not take. They know I will not take it.
“I will not also allow oil companies to oppress our people. They must keep to the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, because when you keep to it, it also helps,” he advised.
Earlier, Brikins praised Governor Oborevwori for his leadership, community engagement and efforts to stabilise the region, which has benefited Chevron’s operations and the state and country’s economy.
He said Delta State was home to Chevron having operated there for over 50 years and thanked Governor Oborevwori for the support to Chevron and other oil companies operating in the state.
He reiterated Chevron’s long-term presence and commitment to Delta State, highlighting ongoing projects like the $1.4 billion drilling programme funded by banks.
He also emphasised Chevron’s impact on local communities through job creation and contracting opportunities, as well as the company’s intention to deepen the relationship.
