The Ogoni Dialogue Committee on the Resumption of Oil Extraction in Ogoniland has completed its consultations and will soon submit its findings to the Federal Government.
This was revealed by the committee’s Chairman, Prof. Don Baridam, on Sunday during a final town hall meeting with stakeholders in Bori, located in Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
Baridam emphasized that the report to be submitted to the Federal Government will reflect the collective views of the Ogoni people. He explained that the committee would finalize its findings into a cohesive report that would serve as the foundation for negotiations with the government concerning the planned oil extraction.
“The dialogue committee remains dedicated to a comprehensive consultation process that ensures the voices of the Ogoni people are not only heard but also considered before any oil activities resume,” he said.
Baridam also assured that the perspectives of residents from Nyo-Khana, Ken-Khana, and Babbe would be incorporated into the committee’s negotiations with the government. While grassroots consultations have concluded, he noted that engagements with women, youth, and other interest groups will continue.
“We are pleased that the Ogoni diaspora community is also submitting their memoranda as we conclude our consultations with Ogoni communities today. It is crucial that the final charter of demands we present encapsulates the collective views of the Ogoni people,” he added.
Baridam praised President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the bill that established the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa, and commended the government for the swift construction of the Eleme Junction-Onne Section of the East-West Road project. He described these efforts as proof of the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing injustices in the region.
The dialogue chairman also expressed gratitude to the Ogoni people for their active participation throughout the consultation process.
Mr. Dumnamene Dekor, the member representing Khana-Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, urged the Ogoni people to remain united in pursuit of a shared goal. He encouraged residents not to overlook the olive branch extended by President Tinubu to correct historical wrongs inflicted on the Ogoni people.
“The president cares about Ogonis and has invited us to meet with him to discuss our issues so we can heal the wounds of the past. I commend residents for participating in this process and assure them that the dialogue committee will be fair and transparent in presenting our views,” Dekor stated.
The federal lawmaker also thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his commitment to facilitating the negotiation process between the government and the Ogoni people.
Dr. Joi Nunieh, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), expressed confidence that the views of the people would be well-represented. She commended the Federal Government for choosing dialogue over force in the proposed resumption of oil extraction in the area.
“The government has opted to consult with the people rather than imposing the resumption of oil activities, which is commendable. Ogonis must now unite and seize this opportunity to present their demands and conditions for oil resumption. The dialogue committee has done an excellent job of ensuring inclusivity, and we can see a general consensus emerging from these discussions,” Nunieh added.
King Solomon Ndigbara, the Menebua of Bori, urged Ogoni youths to take ownership of the dialogue process and actively participate in the discussions.
Source: TheTideNewsOnline