Protesters have taken action against Platform Petroleum Company Limited, PPL, over a prolonged impasse on staff welfare, particularly the dismissal of indigenes from the company.
The protesters, from Adonishaka community in Ebedei, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, staged a demonstration on Wednesday against the dismissal of Mr. Evans Ossai, a driver from the host community, alongside grievances concerning staff welfare and poor working conditions.
Sources revealed that Ossai, along with a few other staff members, had embarked on a peaceful protest over poor remuneration and staff welfare, which led to their dismissal before the locals joined the protest.
The protesters, comprising community chiefs, women, and youths, demanded the reinstatement of Ossai, whose dismissal they consider unjust.
The community has also expressed concerns over marginalisation by oil companies operating on their land, highlighting issues such as environmental degradation and inadequate social benefits.
The protesters, who resisted intimidation from combined forces of soldiers and police, highlighted the substandard working conditions faced by employees by carrying caskets and displaying placards with compelling inscriptions to ventilate their grievances.
Representatives from various segments of the community, including chiefs, women, youths, and rights activists, articulated several demands, including the unconditional reinstatement of Evans Ossai.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the oil and gas chairman of the host community, Eseh Ifeanyi, raised pertinent concerns about the dismissal of some staff from the community on unjustifiable grounds.
He also highlighted the welfare of employees working for Platform Petroleum, arguing that the company has failed to provide adequate support and benefits to its workers, leading to dissatisfaction and unrest among the staff.
According to him, Ossai’s role within the company was seen as vital, and his termination has been perceived as a direct affront to the community’s interests.
“The host community has raised concerns about the welfare of employees working for Platform Petroleum and argued that the company has failed to provide adequate support and benefits to its workers, leading to dissatisfaction and unrest among the staff,” he said.
“These conditions include poor remuneration and working conditions, inadequate safety measures, insufficient equipment, and a lack of basic amenities, which have collectively contributed to a decline in morale and productivity.”
Other demands include immediate improvements in staff welfare, such as better healthcare, enhanced financial benefits, and improved working conditions to ensure safety and comfort for all employees.
Platform Petroleum has previously stated its commitment to empowering communities through social impact initiatives and engaging with local populations to address their needs.
The protest by the Adonishaka community underscores ongoing tensions between local communities and oil companies in Delta State.
As at press time, PPL management is said to have agreed to recall the sacked Ossai and negotiate with the community
Delta community demands reinstatement of sacked platform petroleum worker
