Traditional council urges Benekruku to parley with Chevron

The traditional council of  Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has urged leaders and members of Benekruku community to sheathe their swords and parley with oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Ltd.

Acting secretary of the council, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, made the appeal on Wednesday in Warri.

Chief Gbenekama, who spoke on behalf of the council, appealed to elders,  leaders,  youths and executive members of Benekruku, host to Abiteye Oil Field, to lay down their swords in spite of the expiration of the ultimatum given to Chevron to resolve their grievances.

He pleaded with the community to give the oil company a chance for dialogue in resolving pending issues particularly at a time the security situation in the Niger Delta region is fragile.

He, however,  appealed to Chevron to immediately initiate the dialogue process with its host in order to resolve issues raised by leaders of the community to avoid further impasse.

“We are appealing that a conducive environment be created for Chevron to operate so that there can be negotiations.

“Chevron is also working frantically to hold roundtable discussions with leaders of the community on the issues,” the Benemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom stated.

It will be recalled that leaders of  Benekruku community, host to Chevron’s Abiteye Oil Field, had given the company seven days ultimatum to redress the issues of employment and contract awards to members of the community in consonance with the the Local Content Policy.

The ultimatum expired on Wednesday.