By Emma Amaize

KOKO—THE Army has waded into the protracted dispute between the people of Kokodiagbene in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, and American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, over alleged refusal of the company to supply electricity to the host community.

The villagers laid a siege to the company, February 1, threatening to shut down its operations after a two-week ultimatum, but the state government invited the community leaders and CNL to a meeting in Asaba on  February 20.

At the meeting presided over by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Festus Agas, government asked for time to handle the issue with the company, but during the week, the community, again threatened to relocate to CNL’s Otunana flow station by next month (April) to enjoy electricity with the workers if power was not extended to them.

Chairman of the community, Sheriff Mulade, hinted that the people were not satisfied with the manner the state government was handling the matter with the company, saying the company was clearly flouting an agreement with the community by refusing to supply them electricity.

Vanguard was informed that the Commanding Officer, 19 Battalion, Koko in Warri North local government area,    Lt.   Col M A Maaji, invited some of the leaders of the community to Koko on Wednesday  with a view to resolving the impasse.

The source said: “The meeting, chaired by the commander started at about  12:45pm  and was rounded off at 2:05pm. After hearing the presentation of the community, he also pleaded with the leaders   to give him time to engage relevant authorities over the issue.”

He, however, advised the community to maintain peace, support government and security agents within the area.