Oil Resumption, Ogonis’ Welcome Dialogue Process
Barikui Felix, Port Harcourt
The Ogonis in Rivers State have said that they are satisfied with the federal government’s ongoing dialogue approach to ensuring the resumption of oil exploration in the area. Ogoni oil has been under lock and key since 1995 following the extra-judicial murder of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogonis.
The Ogonis, in a resolution issued after a congress held at the MOSOP Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori, Khana LGA, said the dialogue process shows the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the decades-long people’s agitation.
The resolution was signed by Professor Don Baridam, chairman of the Dialogue Committee, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, co-chairman, and Secretary Barr. Tom Orage also commended the confidence-building measures already being implemented by the Federal Government as a precursor to the dialogue process.
The Congress expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, saying it is a significant step in addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people and fostering sustainable peace and development in the land.
They also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for their leadership, commitment, and support of the dialogue process.
Reading the resolution on behalf of the congress, Dr Ignatius Kattey, who is a retired archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta Anglican Communion, said: “The Congress of Ogoni People fully supports the ongoing dialogue process between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government, which has begun earnestly with the Ogoni-wide consultations. We believe that continued engagement and constructive discussions will lead to lasting solutions that benefit our people and future generations”.
He noted the confidence-building mechanisms being implemented by the Federal Government, including the signing into law of a bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Saakpenwa, fast-tracking of the completion of the critical road project from Eleme junction to Onne junction, which will enhance connectivity and economic development, implementation of affirmative action in the employment of Ogoni sons and daughters in key federal institutions, ensuring greater inclusion and representation.
The Congress also listed interventions in infrastructural development through the inclusion of key Ogoni projects in the current national budget and interventions by the NNPCL, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing the area’s developmental needs as part of the measures.
While expressing confidence in the dialogue facilitators, the Ogoni Congress called on all Ogonis, irrespective of political affiliations, to unite and support the dialogue process.
The Ogoni Congress, however, maintained that it remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, development, and inclusivity while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the people’s aspirations for environmental justice and economic empowerment are realized.
Meanwhile, Chief Gani Topba, the Leader and Spokesperson of the Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP), has urged all Ogonis to fully participate in the ongoing dialogue by expressing their various opinions and submitting them to the committee for further collation.
Topba, who spoke on the sideline of the Ogoni Congress in Bori expressed satisfaction and confidence in the ability of the committee to present the proper position of Ogoni People to the Presidency.
He also commended the Presidency for showing commitment in meeting the demands of Ogoni People and addressing years of neglect occasioned by environmental degradation.
