Representatives of the Olu of Warri have called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Itsekiri oil producing communities due to alleged marginalization and neglect by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Joint Venture partners.
At a world press conference held in Warri, Delta State, Prince Collins Edema, a representative of the monarch, expressed deep concerns over the treatment of the Itsekiri people by NNPCL and its JV partners. The conference was titled “The continuous punishment of the Itsekiri nation by the NNPCL and its JV partners, a time to act”.
Prince Edema highlighted several grievances, including the lack of employment opportunities for qualified Itsekiri graduates despite their abundance and the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the region. He also emphasized the need for the relocation of Chevron headquarters back to Warri or Escravos to foster confidence among host communities.
Furthermore, the group appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and address the imbalance in contract awards and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Itsekiri communities. They urged Tinubu to issue an executive order directing NNPC and its JV partners to prioritize the employment of indigenes from host communities, ensuring a fair allocation of job opportunities.
Additionally, the group called for special consideration for Itsekiri oil bearing communities in terms of infrastructure projects, particularly in healthcare, access to clean water, and electricity provision, to improve the quality of life in the region.
In conclusion, the group urged President Tinubu to take decisive action to address the grievances of the Itsekiri people and ensure equitable treatment and development in the oil producing areas.
