Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State, Erastus Awortu, has advised oil companies working in the area to refrain from using selective judgement approach in their relationships with their host communities, claiming that doing so can lead to crisis and instability.
Awortu issued the warning during a meeting in Andoni with the traditional ruler of Ikuru Town, His Majesty, King Aaron Miller Ikuru, Ikwuit VII, and members of the Council of Chiefs of Ikuru Town, as well as representatives of an oil company operating in the area, Green Energy International Limited, to resolve a dispute over employment slots in the company.
The conference was called in response to a recent protest by the youths of Ikuru Town, who accused the chiefs of allegedly stealing job opportunities in the oil firm allocated for the youth.
It was learnt that some people were reportedly hurt during the protest, which grew violent leading to alleged threat on the chiefs by the demonstrators.
The council chairman accused the oil firm of causing misunderstanding in the neighbourhood, which sparked the fury of the youth, culminating to the violent demonstration.
He encouraged Green Energy to refrain from measures that could pit people against each other; as such actions could weaken peace and order in the area, create instability and disrupt their operations.
Awortu urged the aggrieved youths of Ikuru Town to put an end to further hostility in the area as a result of misinformation or confusion resulting from Green Energy employment slots, saying he would ensure that no member of the host community is shortchanged or deprived of their rights and benefits in the company.
He urged “everyone to maintain the area’s existing peace as they go about their lawful businesses without hindrance.”
Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Chairman, Ikuru Town Council of Chiefs and former Commissioner for Special Duties in Rivers State, disputed allegations of employment slot theft in Green Energy aimed for youths.
He also debunked allegation of marginalization of the youth in the relationship between the oil company and the host community.
