SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 1, 2008 - We are gratified by the decision of the jurors in this case who listened to weeks of testimony, weighed all the evidence presented, and arrived at a just and fair verdict.
Chevron Nigeria Ltd. requested the rescue as a reasonable response to a dangerous invasion of the Parabe platform and, the invaders were harmed when they attacked military personnel. It was never Chevron Nigeria Ltd.’s intent that anyone on the platform be harmed, and we deeply regret the loss of life and injuries that occurred.
While we sympathize with the challenges the people of the Niger Delta face every day, those challenges do not merit violence and hostage taking for ransom. Rather, a solution to the problems facing the Niger Delta will come through peaceful dialogue and the collaboration of all stakeholders – government, communities, companies and civil society.
In Nigeria, Chevron and Chevron Nigeria Ltd. have acted as a force for positive change, supporting programs for the benefit of public health, economic development and education. Moreover, Chevron Nigeria Ltd. will continue to be a leading proponent of peaceful dialogue in the Niger Delta and will provide in-country support of security and human rights.
Chevron Fights Lawsuit Filed by Nigerian Hostage Takers
Workers Threatened With Violence; Feared for Their Lives During Invasion
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 24, 2008 – A lawsuit brought on behalf of Nigerian hostage takers against Chevron is scheduled to begin trial on Oct. 27 in a San Francisco federal court. Chevron's lawyers will present evidence that shows the hostage takers put Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) employees and contractors in danger.
The hostage-taking incident occurred 10 years ago on oil facilities operated off the Nigerian coast by CNL, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation. Over 100 CNL workers and contractors were held for ransom and threatened with acts of violence. Now the hostage takers are suing Chevron, claiming that CNL should not have reported the matter to Nigerian law enforcement officials and that the Nigerian authorities used excessive force in rescuing the workers.
"This case could have serious ramifications for workers in developing parts of the world," said Charles A. James, vice president and general counsel, Chevron. "If plaintiffs had their way, a company could not report hostage taking to law enforcement authorities without facing the threat of a lawsuit in the U.S. In our view, workers should have the right to go to work without being taken hostage, and holding innocent people for ransom should not be rewarded through a lawsuit in the U.S."
The incident began when plaintiff Larry Bowoto and other members of the Concerned Ilaje Citizens, an unsanctioned Nigerian community group, threatened CNL with violence and sea piracy if the company did not pay them money and give them jobs. Weeks later, they followed through on their threats by seizing the oil platform, an adjacent barge and a tug boat on May 25, 1998, holding CNL employees and contractors hostage and demanding money and other considerations. CNL attempted to negotiate a resolution without success.
Although plaintiffs say they were peaceful protestors, eyewitnesses have testified in deposition that the hostage takers poured diesel fuel on the barge and threatened to set it on fire. Fearing for the safety of its workers, and with tensions mounting, CNL asked for assistance from the Nigerian Navy. Under Nigerian law, only the country's military can provide armed security. During the rescue, some of the rescue team members were attacked by the Ilaje and shots were fired, according to an investigation conducted by CNL immediately after the incident. Some of the fleeing hostage takers then forced seven of the workers to go to a village, where they were held for three more days before their release was secured.
For complete background on this case, visit www.chevron.com/bowoto.
Chevron Corporation is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business across the globe. The company's success is driven by the ingenuity and commitment of approximately 59,000 employees who operate across the energy spectrum. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and other energy products; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops and commercializes the energy resources of the future, including biofuels and other renewables. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.