The Ogoni Dialogue Committee on oil resumption has assured the Ogoni people that they can expect significant economic relief that will address the long-standing neglect and injustices as the committee concluded its grassroots consultations with communities across four Local Government Areas in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
Following its recent inauguration by the Federal Government, the committee initiated consultations to gather input from the people and ensure their active participation in the planned oil resumption process in Ogoniland.
As part of this effort, communities from the four Local Government Areas—Eleme, Tai, Gokana, and Khana—took part in the dialogue meetings and submitted their concerns and demands in memoranda to the committee.
During the final town hall meeting held at Bori, the headquarters of Khana Council, Committee Chairman Professor Don Baridam praised the active involvement of the people throughout the process, assuring that their opinions would play a key role in shaping the Ogoni position in negotiations with the Federal Government regarding the resumption of oil exploration.
Some of the demands raised by the Ogoni people include the creation of Ogoni State, the acceleration and completion of major projects, and the recruitment of Ogoni sons and daughters into key Federal Government institutions, among others.
Professor Baridam assured that the final report to be submitted to the Federal Government would reflect the collective views of the Ogoni people.
He also reiterated the significance of recent government actions, such as the signing into law of the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Saakpenwa and the fast-tracking of the Eleme Junction-Onne section of the East-West Road, as a sign of the government’s willingness to address the challenges faced by the Ogoni people.
The Committee Chairman emphasized that the committee remains committed to a thorough consultation process, which will ultimately lead to a unified position for negotiation with the Federal Government.
He further highlighted that the Khana town hall meeting was structured to integrate the perspectives of all three Ogoni kingdoms—Nyo-Khana, Ken-Khana, and Babbe—ensuring that every voice was heard and represented.
Although the grassroots consultations have concluded, Professor Baridam revealed that engagement with stakeholders, including youths, women, and other interest groups, would continue to ensure the inclusion of every Ogoni person’s opinion in the final deliberations.
“While our consultations with the communities have concluded today, engagement with key stakeholders, including women, youths, and other groups, will continue in alignment with our work plan. We are pleased that even the Ogoni diaspora community is submitting their memoranda. It’s crucial that the final charter of demands we present reflects the collective views of all Ogoni people. Your input remains vital as we move forward,” he stated.
In a show of support, the member representing Khana-Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dumnamene Dekor, called for unity among the Ogoni people, emphasizing that the town hall meeting offered a platform for addressing their collective concerns.
“If we stand united, we will succeed. By the grace of God, we have a President who cares for us, who invited us to share our issues so we can heal the wounds of the past,” Dekor said.
Joi Nunieh, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), commended the Federal Government for opting to engage the Ogoni people before resuming oil exploration in the area. She also expressed hope that the views shared during the town hall meetings would not be overlooked.
King Solomon Ndigbara, Menebua Bori, urged Ogoni youths to take ownership of the dialogue process and actively participate in the discussions.
Professor Roseline Konya, Chairman of the Governing Council of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, praised the committee’s efforts and expressed hope that the government would not fail the Ogoni people at the conclusion of the negotiations.
“The process has been smooth and organized. I believe God is with us, and this time, they won’t deceive us. We’ve come together and clearly outlined our needs. As Ogoni people, we’ve done our part—let’s see how the government responds,” Konya remarked.
Lastly, Chief Gani Topba, a prominent stakeholder and leader of the Conscience of Ogoni People, noted that the demands voiced at the town hall were in line with the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), urging President Bola Tinubu to implement these demands to ensure the smooth resumption of oil exploration in the region.
Source: The Guardian