By George Onah

Port Harcourt- No fewer than 400 hundred placard-carrying youths in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Monday, protested alleged non-employment of youths of the area by ZB Joint Ventures, a firm that handles pipeline projects in Ekpeyeland.

Vanguard learnt that the youths barricaded the entrance and exit gates of the company and demanded the sack of two top management staff of the company (names withheld) who they claimed were “clogs in the wheel” of their employment.

Leader of the youths, Mr. Rogers Jared, said they would remain on the premises of the company for “as long as our demands are not met, even if it takes several months.”

He added that it was their legitimate right to seek for employment from companies operating in the area.

Jared noted that ZB Joint Ventures had refused to comply with the Local Content Act, signed into law by the President. He said the refusal had contributed to the upsurge of youth restiveness which has also pushed some of them into vices.

Some of the placards read: Ekpeye youths are qualified for any job; Stop this marginalisation, we deserve better treat-ment; Obey Local Con-tent Law and employ indigenous youths; Our patient has ran out, give us our due; We have been pushed to the wall, we will push you to the forest, among others.

Contacted, chairman of the council, Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi said the company was being unduly difficult to their landlords and the youths.

He said government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of youth employment.