Youths from the Onne community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at Chevron Nigeria Limited, over the alleged planned relocation of the company from the oil-bearing community.

The youths In their numbers said relocating the oil company from the area would not only affect the economic and social well-being of the people but may likely lead to the loss of jobs particularly among the youths.

Displaying placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Onne youths have never been hostile to Chevron’, ‘Onne youths say no to Chevron’s plan to relocate, ‘Onne is peaceful for business and investors, ‘Our people will lose jobs, among others, the youths appealed to the company to have a change of heart.

Addressing Journalists on the matter, the Onne Youths President, Tobiah Tete, explained that the protest was a passionate appeal to the management of Chevron not to leave the community, pointing out that the information they received about the peace-loving community was misleading.

Tete, explained that issues of disturbances in the community which prompted the planned relocation of the oil giant were in the past since the present youth executive under his leadership came on board, assuring that they would liaise with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the company operates there unhindered.

“We are here today on a passionate appeal to Chevron Nigeria Limited which has been in Onne for three decades now, based on the information we gathered that Chevron is relocating from Onne.

“We learnt that maybe the Onne people are hostile to companies. But it is a wrong notion about the community. Onne people are peaceful, accommodating and open to investors.

“We needed to do this to clear the air and let the world know and for Chevron to understand that we are not against their operation and that we have not done anything to make them uncomfortable.”

Tete said as one of the leading firms operating in the area, the implication of their relocation to other areas would not be good for them and the host communities that depend on them.

“You can imagine the level of hardship even with Chevron in our community, much less when they leave. We cannot count the number of people that would be affected.

“Our people have been benefitting since the company came here. Aside from engaging our youths, they have carried out various projects and programs, including the Agbeta town hall, and scholarships for Onne students.“ A major project that was to be cited outside, was attracted to Onne through some interventions. So if Chevron leaves, directly or indirectly people will lose jobs. Clients that are supposed to benefit would also lose their jobs.

“The host communities that depend on them will lose jobs and other benefits that come to them,” the youth president stated.

The youth President further noted that “In the areas of scholarships and skills acquisition where they assist us, we will lose out automatically if Chevron relocates and it will be a major setback to the community in terms of development.

“We also heard that the tariffs in the Port are also affecting them. So we are using this medium to call on the federal, state and local government as well as the authority of the oil and gas zone to subsidize the levies on them in order not to scare away Chevron and other companies from the communities.

“The issue of insecurity in Onne is a thing of the past since the present youth leadership came on board. There has been peace within our outside the ports complex.

“Since we assumed office, nobody has come to block the gate of Chevron or any other company because we direct our complaints and grievances through the appropriate channels, including the security outfits.”

Tete expressed happiness that the Facility Security Officer of Chevron had addressed them during the protest and promised to forward their message upstairs. (Daily Independent)

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