The Ogoni Dialogue Committee, tasked with discussions on the proposed resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland, says it will soon present the people’s unified demand to the Federal Government.
Ignatius Kattey, Archbishop of Niger Delta North, Anglican Church of Nigeria, and Co-Chairman of the committee, disclosed this in Saakpenwa during a meeting with representatives of communities in the Tai area, Rivers State.
Ogoniland covers four local government areas in Rivers, including Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai.
Kattey explained that the ongoing dialogue with the Ogoni people is aimed at capturing their opinions and concerns, ensuring their voices were heard.
“The committee will also engage with other stakeholders, including women and youths, to enable us to present a unified demand from the Ogoni people regarding the planned oil extraction,” he stated.
Kattey urged various Ogoni communities in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) to actively participate in the dialogue process.
He noted that the Federal Government had demonstrated the willingness to honour the demands of the Ogonis, as evidenced by its confidence-building initiatives in Ogoniland.
According to him, the delegation that recently met with President Bola Tinubu requested the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, which Tinubu subsequently signed into law.
“The university has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the Ogoni people, serving as a beacon of hope and progress for the area.
“So, as we move forward, I encourage every Ogoni community in Tai LGA to submit their positions on the resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland.
“You voices are vital, as all collated views will form an integral part of our demands in negotiations with the Federal Government,” Kattey added.
The archbishop encouraged all Ogonis to participate in the dialogue, emphasising that this was an opportunity for the Ogoni people to ensure their collective concerns are heard and addressed.
He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, describing it as a crucial turning point in the pursuit for understanding, reconciliation, and progress.
Kattey also thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his support, and Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for promptly donating land for the construction of the university.
Sen. Barry Mpigi, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, assured that the people of Tai were not opposed to the resumption of oil activities in the local government area.
“The position of the Tai people is that they want to see how their demands are implemented.
“This is why we have submitted our memorandum so that if the prospective operator listens to the terms set by the Tai people, we can work together,” Mpigi concluded.
Some of the Ogoni-bearing communities submitted their demands to the committee.
By Desmond Ejibas