The people of Ogoniland have expressed their support for ongoing discussions between their leaders and the federal government regarding the planned resumption of oil extraction in their land.
This endorsement was contained in a communique issued at the end of a congress attended by Ogoni sons and daughters in Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu had recently met with Ogoni leaders over the proposed resumption of oil activities, which had been suspended since 1993 due to disagreements between the federal government and Shell oil company on one hand and the Ogoni leadership on the other, over oil pollution and land degradation in Ogoniland, leading to unrest and violence in the area.
The move came as part of the federal government’s effort to increase the nation’s oil production to over 2 million barrels per day before the end of 2025.
Endorsing the dialoguing process, Prof. Don Baridam, Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and signatory to the communique, disclosed that residents across Ogoni local government areas, including Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai, were in support of the ongoing conversation.
Ignatius Kattey, Archbishop of Niger Delta North, Anglican Church of Nigeria, and Co-Chairman of the committee, read the communique and described the discussions as a defining moment for the Ogoni people
According to the communique, the Congress of Ogoni People supports the dialogue between the Federal Government and Ogoni leaders and acknowledges the commencement of Ogoni-wide consultations.
“We believe that continued engagement and constructive discussions will lead to lasting solutions that benefit our people and future generations,” he stated.
The communique also recognised the efforts of the facilitators coordinating the process and expressed confidence in their ability to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency throughout the dialogue.
It commended President Bola Tinubu for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, saying, it ‘’marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people and fostering peace and development.”
It expressed gratitude to National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, and other officials for their support.
It highlighted several confidence-building measures being implemented by the government.
“These include the signing into law of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoniland, which is a landmark achievement for educational and environmental advancement in Ogoniland.
“The fast tracking of the completion of the critical East-West Road project from Eleme Junction to Onne Junction, which will enhance connectivity and economic development.
“The implementation of affirmative action to employ Ogoni sons and daughters in key federal institutions, ensuring greater inclusion and representation,” it stated.
The communique further acknowledged the ongoing interventions in infrastructure development, the inclusion of key Ogoni projects in the current national budget, and interventions by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
It noted that the steps demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing developmental challenges in Ogoniland and Rivers state as a whole.
“The Congress remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, development, and inclusivity.
“We stand in solidarity with the government in this dialogue process and urge all Ogoni people to embrace unity and cooperation for the greater good of our land,” the communique affirmed, assuring of the commitment of the Ogoni to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement to realise the the people’s aspirations for development, environmental justice and economic empowerment.
