By Ali Elias
In a landmark meeting held at the State House in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland. Addressing a delegation of Ogoni leaders on Tuesday, the President called for unity, reconciliation, and collaborative efforts to address historical challenges and pave the way for a prosperous future in the region.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of leaving behind grievances and focusing on progress. “We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” he said passionately.
To spearhead efforts toward peace and inclusivity, the President directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to oversee consultations and negotiations. He urged Ogoni leaders to embrace mutual trust and dialogue, emphasizing the need for cooperation among stakeholders, including the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Rivers State Government.
Commitment to Collaboration
President Tinubu praised the Ogoni delegation for their willingness to engage in dialogue, describing the meeting as a significant step toward achieving peace, environmental restoration, and economic revitalization in Ogoniland. He recounted his longstanding connection with the Ogoni people, highlighting shared struggles for democracy and justice during Nigeria’s military dictatorship.
“It is a great honour for me to have this meeting, which is an opportunity to dialogue with the people of Ogoniland,” the President said. “Many of your sons present here were my friends and co-travellers in the streets of Nigeria, Europe, and America. I know what to do in memory of our beloved ones so that their sacrifices will not be in vain.”
Voices from Ogoniland
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Ogoni people. He emphasized the delegation’s commitment to following the President’s instructions, particularly concerning consultations aimed at resuming oil production in the region.
“What we are doing here today is to concretize the love and respect we have for the President for being behind this meeting,” Governor Fubara said. “We are committed to supporting the government’s objectives and ensuring the timeline for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland is achieved.”
King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom and a representative of Ogoni leadership, expressed the leaders’ readiness to actively participate in the search for lasting solutions to the region’s challenges.
Path to Sustainable Development
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, commended the Ogoni people’s commitment to dialogue and highlighted the inclusive and consultative nature of the process. He noted that the delegation, comprising over 50 members, reflected the diversity of Ogoni society and its readiness to engage constructively.
“Guided by Mr. President’s vision that every voice is heard and every interest is considered, my office, the DSS, the government of Rivers State, and the Minister of FCT embarked on a diligent and consultative process to assemble this delegation,” Mallam Ribadu stated.
The President’s assurances and the Ogoni delegation’s resolve to collaborate mark a pivotal moment in the journey toward peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland. This renewed partnership aims to address long-standing grievances, foster unity, and ensure a cleaner, more prosperous future for the region.