235 Workers’ counsel kicks as Chevron’s attorney drags case to appeal

Counsel to the 235 Disengaged Workers in the suit filed against Chevron Nigeria Limited and four of its contracting firms: Joceco Nigeria Limited, Pat Onosen Nigeria Enterprises, Sanco Calaya J.V Nigeria Limited and Hensteel Engineering & Construction Services Limited, Chief (Barr.) V.E. Otomiewo has vehemently rejected the application filed by Chevron’s Attorney, Akpomudje Albert SAN, requesting for stay of proceedings at National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Awka over issue of jurisdiction of the court to hear the case about three years after hearing commenced.

Chief (Barr.) Otomiewo who was represented by Dave Jarikre at the resumed hearing Monday October 15, declared, “we are very much opposed to the application filed by the 5th Defendant (Chevron Nigeria Limited) and we will file an affidavit and written address in compliance with the rule of the court. The 5th Defendant had about 3months to file the motion to stay proceedings, but choose to do so the morning of the continuation of the hearing”.

Our Oil & Gas Correspondent who was at Awka, reports that Counsel to Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, Akpomudje Albert SAN served the court and counsels present a motion with Suit No: CA/E/465/2018 from Industrial Court of Appeal, Enugu, challenging jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Awka to hear the case.

In his defense, Counsel to Chevron Nigeria Limited, Akpomudje said, "I do not need to file the motion to stay proceedings, but decided to be formal by filing it”, stressing that the issue he raised borders on jurisdiction, particularly as against his client, Chevron Nigeria Limited.

Fresh Angle International can authoritatively report that following the motion of stay of proceedings filed by Chevron’s Attorney, Akpomudje, the Presiding Judge of National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Awka, Justice J. I. Targema adjourned the case ‘sinedie’.

It would be recalled that substantive hearing of the case started Tuesday June 5, 2018 and was adjourned to June 28 for continuation of hearing, but could not hold till Monday October 15.

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