The people of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have insisted that the federal government should create a state for them as part of conditions for resumption of oil exploration in the area.
This came weeks after the Congress of Ogoni People reaffirmed commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders ahead of the planned resumption of oil exploration.
The Congress led by Prof. Don Baridam (Chairman), Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (Co-chairman), Tom Orage (Secretary) had stated that the reason for the peaceful dialogue is to ensure that the Ogoni people’s aspirations for development, environmental justice, and economic empowerment are realised.
However, the dialogue committee directed that the four local government areas in the Ogoniland (Eleme, Gokana, Khana and Tai) should organise a separate town hall meeting and return with their various resolutions and demands for the onward dialogue with the presidency.
Meanwhile, at the town hall meeting organised by the 20 communinites in Gokana LGA, on Sunday, they insisted that the government should create “Ogoni State” with the capital in Bori Town.
The communities that participated in the peaceful meeting supervised by Archbishop Kattey, Tom Orage and Ledum Mitee, were Barakor, Bera, Biara, Bodo, Boghor, Bomu, B-Dere and Deeyor.
Others included Dekaen, Gbe, Giokoo, Goi, K-Dere, Koh, Kpor, Leewe, Mogho, Nwebiara, Nweol and Yeegeh.
In their various written memoranda submitted, the communities demanded for the implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights, including “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 amidst severe exploitation and environmental degradation, primarily caused by oil companies operating in their area.
In his address, the Co-chairman of the Ogoni dialogue committee, Archbishop Kattey explained that the town hall meeting is a crucial part of a series of grassroots consultations that the Ogoni Dialogue Committee has diligently 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.”
He recalled that, “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 expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders for initiating the ongoing dialogue with the Ogoni people.
He encouraged each community represented to submit hard copies of their written memoranda to the committee, adding: “Your documented thoughts, concerns, and recommendations are essential. Your written submissions will ensure that every voice is captured and considered as we articulate our demands”.
The archbishop assured that the “views and ideas you share today will play a foundational role in shaping our Ogoni demands for the resumption of oil activities in our land.
“Your perspectives are not just words; they are the essence of our collective will and determination. It is imperative that we stand united in our quest for justice, equity, and sustainable development for Ogoni.”
In his remark, the paramount ruler of Gokana, King Festus Babari Bagia, described the dialogue process as a significant milestone of their quest for justice and equity in Ogoniland.
The king advised indigenes of Ogoni to avoid violence or any action that might jeopardise their interest, adding that “Our leaders must ensure that our demand is achieved”.
