By Emma Amaize & Akpokona Omafuaire

WARRI – THE Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities Development Committee, EGDC, comprising host Ijaw communities to Chevron Nigeria Limited, has rejected the sharing formula adopted by the company for the phase four of the Escravos Gas to Liquid Project, EGP.

EGDC  in a statement in Warri, Delta State, signed by Mr. Kennedy Brake, and others said information at their disposal showed that the company had allegedly adopted a sharing formula of 65 per cent for Itsekiri, 25 per cent for Ijaws and 10 per cent for Ilajes to replace the GMoU reached with the Ijaw Regional Development Council.

The group said: “The said 25 per cent is unacceptable, provocative and a slap on the Ijaw communities of Egbema and Gbaramatu Kingdoms. We shall stop all operations in Chevron fields unless the issues raised with Mr. Trust Inimgba-led PGPA teams were addressed.

“Oil and gas, which are produced in Ijaw areas, are moved to Escravos. We will not allow Chevron to take our oil and gas to Escravos anymore. The proposed EGP4 should be built in Ijaw area.”

They said 25 per cent allocated to Ijaw was detrimental to their interest and should be jettisoned for a full implementation of the agreed terms in the GMoU.

They added: “All available contracts and jobs are given to people and communities outside areas of operation of Chevron at the expense of the communities. This act must stop. We also call for promotion of Ijaws in Chevron to managerial positions.”