The Ogoni Dialogue Committee on oil resumption has assured the Ogoni people to expect better economic relief that will address the long-standing neglect and injustices as it concluded its grassroots consultations with communities in four Local Government Areas in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The committee, after its recent inauguration by the Federal Government, had embarked on grassroots consultations to get inputs from the people and ensure their involvement in the planned oil resumption processes in Ogoniland.
Sequel to this, communities across the four Local Government Areas (Eleme, Tai, Gokana, and Khana) have all participated in the dialogue meetings and have submitted their concerns and demands as memoranda to the committee.
During the final town hall meeting at Bori, Headquarters of Khana Council, at the weekend, Chairman of the Committee, Professor Don Baridam, commended the involvement of the people in the entire process, assuring that their views would play a crucial role in shaping the Ogoni position in negotiating with the Federal Government regarding the resumption of oil exploration in their land.
Some demands made by the Ogoni include the creation of Ogoni State, fast-tracking and completion of major projects, and the employment of Ogoni sons and daughters in key Federal Government institutions, among others.
Speaking, Prof. Baridam assured that the final report that will be submitted to the Federal Government would represent the views of the generality of the Ogonis.
The Committee Chairman reiterated that the signing into law of the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa, and fast-tracking the Eleme junction-Onne section of the East-West Road indicate willingness from the government to address the Ogoni challenges.
He said the Dialogue Committee remains steadfast in its commitment to a robust consultation process that would birth a final position for the negotiation with the Federal Government.
He stressed that the Khana town hall meeting was designed to reflect the seamless integration of perspectives from all three kingdoms, including Nyo-Khana, Ken-Khana, and Babbe, ensuring that every voice is heard and represented.
The Committee Chairman disclosed that despite the conclusion of the grassroots consultations, stakeholders’ engagement with youths, women, and other interest groups would continue to ensure that the opinions of every Ogoni person are considered.
“Today marks the conclusion of our communities’ consultations. However, engagement with critical stakeholders is ongoing, with planned discussions in the days ahead involving women, youths, and other interest groups in alignment with the Dialogue Committee’s work plan. We are happy to note that even the Ogoni diaspora community is also sending in their memoranda. It is essential that the final charter of demands we present encapsulates the collective views of the Ogoni people. Your input is vital as we move forward,” he stated.
Also speaking, the member representing Khana-Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dumnamene Dekor, called for unity among the Ogoni people, adding that the town hall meeting presents an opportunity for Ogonis to talk about their problems.
“If we continue to unite, we’ll succeed. By the special grace of God, the opportunity has been thrown at us that we have a President who cares about us, who invited us and told us to come and talk about our problems so that we can heal the wounds of many years,” he said.
Former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joi Nunieh, commended the Federal Government for opting to dialogue with the Ogoni people before the resumption of oil exploration in the area.
While commending the committee for its effort, she expressed hope that the views of the people expressed at the town hall meetings will not be compromised.
Also speaking, King Solomon Ndigbara, the Menebua Bori, urged Ogoni youths to own the dialogue process and be part of the discussions.
In the same vein, Professor Roseline Konya, the Chairman of the Governing Council of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, lauded the committee, expressing hope that the government would not fail the Ogoni people at the end of the negotiations.
“The process has been beautiful and very orderly. I know that God is with us, and this time, they will not deceive us anymore. We have put ourselves together and listed out the things we need from the Federal Government. As Ogoni people, we have done our part. Let’s see what they will do,” Konya said.
In his remarks, a stakeholder and leader of Conscience of Ogoni People, Chief Gani Topba, said the demands at the town hall meeting are in line with the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), urging President Bola Tinubu to implement the demands of the people to facilitate the smooth resumption of oil exploration in the area.
Photo: Members of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and some stakeholders of Khana Local Government at the Town Hall Meeting in Bori.
