PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu instructed National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu to coordinate negotiations with various stakeholders in Ogoniland, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta, to facilitate the resumption of oil production in the region.
The President issued this directive yesterday in Abuja during a meeting with Ogoni leaders, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, at the Aso Villa.
He emphasized that his administration would prioritize peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, also attended the meeting.
Tinubu called for unity and reconciliation, encouraging the Ogoni people to put aside historical grievances and collaborate towards achieving peace, development, and a cleaner environment.
“While we cannot change the past, we can address some of its injustices moving forward. We cannot heal our wounds if we continue to harbor anger,” Tinubu stated, as reported by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
He emphasized the need for mutual trust and collaboration, urging attendees to return home, engage in further consultations, and embrace one another.
“We must make this effort worthwhile by restoring peace, development, and a clean environment to Ogoniland,” the President added.
Tinubu called on ministers, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, and the Rivers State Government to work alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to fulfill this mandate.
“It is a significant honor for me to hold this meeting, which provides an opportunity to engage with the people of Ogoniland.
“For many years, your children and I stood together against military dictatorship in this country. No one anticipated that I would one day occupy this position as President, but we are grateful for it.
“Many of your sons here were my friends and allies during our struggles in Nigeria, Europe, and America. I know what steps to take to honor our beloved ones so that their sacrifices are not in vain,” the President remarked.
In response, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the President for his support of the Ogoni people and for welcoming a diverse representation of the community to the Presidential Villa.
Highlighting the importance of resuming oil operations in Ogoniland, the governor reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment to following the President’s directives and providing the necessary support to achieve the government’s goals.
“What we are doing here today solidifies our love and respect for the President for facilitating this meeting and for instructing us to return for further consultations, with a timeline to ensure the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland,” he stated.
The National Security Adviser also commended the Ogoni people for their trust in President Tinubu and for choosing dialogue as a means to achieve meaningful progress and sustainable solutions.
King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom and a representative of the Ogoni leadership, conveyed the community leaders’ readiness to participate in finding lasting solutions to the ongoing challenges in Ogoniland.