The Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State has stated that state creation is the only solution to address their grievances of neglect and marginalisation and a key condition for the resumption of oil activities in the area.
They have called on the federal government to expedite the creation of “Ogoni State,” with the capital in Bori town.

Around 20 communities in the Gokana Local Government Area (LGA) made the call during a town hall meeting held in the council at the weekend.

The communities that participated in the peaceful meeting, supervised by Co-chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, and other members like Tom Orage and Ledum Mitee, include Barakor, Bera, Biara, Bodo, Boghor, Bomu, B-Dere, Deeyor, Dekaen, Gbe, Giokoo, Goi, K-Dere, Koh, Kpor, Leewe, Mogho, Nwebiara, Nweol, and Yeegeh.

The people called for the implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights, which includes political autonomy, control over Ogoni economic resources, adequate representation in Nigerian institutions, protection of the Ogoni environment, and the development of Ogoni culture and language.

They also demanded self-determination for the Ogoni people, citing severe exploitation and environmental degradation caused primarily by oil companies operating in their area.

Kattey said the town hall meeting is an important part of a series of grassroots consultations the committee has planned.

He said, “We are here to ensure that the voices of the people of Gokana, and all of Ogoni, resonate loudly and clearly in the ongoing dialogue with our federal government. Your insights, experiences, and aspirations are vital to shaping our collective future.

“Precisely two weeks ago, we gathered at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori for an Ogoni National Congress.

During that significant event, we briefed the Ogoni people about the recent meeting between the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our Ogoni delegation at the Presidential Villa. The outcomes of that meeting with the President were remarkable, particularly the government’s immediate commitment to implement some of the confidence-building measures requested by our delegation, including the signing into law the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Saakpenwa.”

Kattey lauded President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders for initiating the ongoing dialogue with the Ogoni people.

He urged all represented communities to submit hard copies of their written memoranda to the committee, stressing that their documented thoughts, concerns, and recommendations are essential.

In his response, the paramount ruler of Gokana, King Festus Babari Bagia, described the dialogue process as a significant milestone in their quest for justice and equity in Ogoniland.

The monarch urged Ogoni indigenes to avoid violence or any action that might jeopardize their efforts toward achieving their objectives.