By Ochuko Akuopha 

ASABA – GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Tuesday, said he would not allow oil companies operating in the State to oppress their host communities.

He also said he would not allow the host communities to stop oil production, noting that the State derives most of its revenues from oil production.

Oborevwori spoke when he received on courtesy visit, the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited at Government House, Asaba.

He said: “lf oil production is high, Delta State will benefit because, today we are number one in oil production. If you disrupt operations, we will not benefit.”

According to him, “I have known Chevron all my life because I am a Warri boy. There is nothing I do not know about Chevron. I will say that we have a lot of regards for Chevron. 

“Many companies left Warri but Chevron is still here with us. Warri is a home for Chevron and that is the reason why, if they are having any community issue, I always talk to our communities to make sure that there is cooperation between the company and the host communities.

“I am also aware of what you are doing in terms of social responsibility to our people. But you know that our people need more and you have promised that you will do more. You also know that my agenda is MORE for Deltans.”

Earlier, the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Jim Swartz, expressed appreciation for the mutual beneficial relationship between company and the Delta State. 

He said: “We have operated in Nigeria for over six decades and for most of those years, it has been in partnership with Delta State.

“We have contributed to the well-being of both the government and the people of the state. We have a significant foot print here. Escravos is our home base of our operations.

“We have our administrative and logistics base in Warri. This is home for Chevron Nigeria Limited. We are also proud of our track record of paying taxes.”