Delta Community Protests Dismissal, Welfare Issues at Oil Company
Protesters carrying caskets demanded driver Evans Ossai's reinstatement and better welfare, and management agreed to rehire him and negotiate.
Residents of Adonishaka community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against Platform Petroleum Company Limited (PPL) over labour and welfare issues.
The demonstration followed the dismissal of a community indigene, Evans Ossai, a driver, after an earlier staff protest over remuneration. Protesters, including community leaders, women and youths, carried placards and symbolic caskets to express dissatisfaction with the company’s actions.
Speaking on behalf of the community, oil and gas committee chairman Eseh Ifeanyi faulted the termination, insisting it amounted to unfair treatment of host community members. He also raised concerns over poor staff welfare, inadequate safety standards and lack of essential working tools.
Beyond Ossai’s reinstatement, the protesters demanded improved healthcare provisions, better financial benefits and safer working conditions for employees, noting that these fell short of the company’s stated social responsibility goals.
As tensions mounted, reports indicated that Platform Petroleum management agreed to reinstate the dismissed worker and open negotiations with the community, offering a possible path toward resolution.
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