Lagos — The Ilaje people are optimistic that Chevron Nigeria limited (CNL) will be brought to book for instigating the murder of Ilaja youths who were on a peaceful protest on Parabe platform, Ondo State, in 1998, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA/FOEN), said at the weekend.

In its reaction to the conclusion of deliberations by the jury sitting in a San Francisco, US district court on whether Chevron is liable for the 1998 killings. The group expressed optimism of favourable verdict.

Daily Champion recalls that Ilaje youths had embarked on a peaceful protest to the platform to demand a better deal from Chevron for years of unfriendly environmental practices during oil extraction, lacking basic amenities and scholarships for youths, and unemployment in spite of hosting Chevrons operational office, among others.

On being assured that their grievances were being addressed with elders of their respective communities, the youths were getting ready to leave the platform on a chopper.

The incident necessitated the current suit filed in 1999 at the San Francisco district court by survivors and representatives of the communities- Messrs Larry Boworo, Bola Oyibo (late), Bassey Jeje and Sunday Johnbul.

In a recent ruling, Judge Susan Illston of the san Francisco district court rejected Chevron's final attempt to avoid trial, insisting that "Chevron Nigeria Limited personnel were directly involved in the attacks; transported the Nigerian security forces, paid the security forces and knew that the security forces were prone to use of excessive force."

"This is the time for justice. The innocent people of Ilaje land and the whole world is watching with keen optimism because a ruling in favour of justice will send a strong signal to Chevron and its co-travellers in the oil industry that committed evil against a single human being anywhere in the world will one day be addressed in the public and perpetrators prosecuted," said executive director of ERA/FOEN, Rev Nnimmo Bassey.