The Babbe youths have expressed their full support for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland. However, they have also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the actions of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, as well as Rt. Hon. Martins Amaehule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The youths have urged these figures to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to focus on the development of Ogoniland and other parts of the state, as promised.
This endorsement was made during a session of the Presidential Dialogue and Consultation Committee on Oil and Gas Exploration in Ogoniland, held in Bori on March 5, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Comrade Effort Ndeesor, a youth leader in Ogoniland, endorsed the resumption of oil exploration, stressing that it is crucial for the youth to be actively involved in the process.
Ndeesor highlighted the importance of youth participation in driving the project forward, noting that their input is vital for the success of the initiative. His statement underscores the significance of involving local youth in decisions that affect their communities and their futures.
Additionally, Ndeesor called on President Tinubu to caution Chief Wike and Rt. Hon. Amaehule to refrain from interfering with the governance of Rivers State. He emphasized that Governor Fubara should be allowed to govern without unnecessary distractions and warned that the first democratically elected governor from the Rivers South East senatorial district cannot be removed by outside forces.
He stated, “The Ogonis stand united with the Opobo people, our good neighbors and brothers. This call to action reflects our concerns about potential power struggles and emphasizes the need for elected officials to carry out their duties without undue influence or interference.”
Ndeesor also reiterated that the Babbe people are advocating for increased cooperation between the Ogoni community and Governor Fubara, acknowledging his commitment to developing both Ogoniland and Babbe.
Solomon Lenu, spokesperson for the Rivers State Civil Society Organizations, expressed that Governor Fubara has shown a strong commitment to the region’s progress and should be allowed to govern without distractions. He urged residents of the state to support the governor’s efforts for the betterment of Rivers State, emphasizing that the current crisis is counterproductive and only hinders progress.
“The crisis benefits neither the state nor the Ogoni people,” Lenu added. “It is a distraction that prevents us from moving forward. We urge our brothers and sisters to support the governor and allow him to work towards the state’s development.”
The Babbe youths, along with civil society groups and opinion leaders, have united to condemn political distractions in the state, urging individuals with no vested interest in Rivers’ well-being to refrain from sowing discord. They warned that any attempts to create unrest would be met with lawful and legal resistance.
Lenu further stated, “Enough is enough. We will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of Rivers State. While the Supreme Court judgment came with mixed feelings, we will respect the rule of law.”
The Babbe people have reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution, stressing the importance of allowing the governor to fulfill his duties without interference.
“We will not be intimidated or distracted. We will continue to support the governor’s efforts to develop Rivers State,” Lenu concluded.
Another prominent youth leader, Hon. Prince Felix Lebabari Legbara, strongly condemned the attempts to undermine the will of the people of Rivers State. He expressed dissatisfaction with the President’s silence on the issue, deeming it unacceptable.
Legbara emphasized that the people of Rivers State had made their choice through the ballot, and that choice must be respected. He described the ongoing efforts to undermine the people’s will as a threat to democracy, urging President Tinubu to intervene and restore order to prevent further instability.
He also called on President Tinubu to take decisive action, particularly by intervening to prevent Wike’s interference and ensuring that Governor Fubara can govern Rivers State without hindrance. “No one can become the governor of Rivers State through backdoor means,” Legbara said, underscoring the importance of respecting the people’s democratic choice.
Legbara’s statements reflect widespread concern among the youth of Rivers State about attempts to undermine their democratic choice, and they are calling on President Tinubu to act swiftly to restore stability and order in the state.
Source: PUNCH with modification
