Ogoni Youths Demand Transparency in Oil Resumption Talks

The Ogoni people in Rivers State have begun consultations on the planned resumption of oil production. This follows a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Ogoni leaders in Abuja last month. 

President Tinubu appointed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to facilitate discussions with Ogoni stakeholders. He instructed the delegation to consult their people and report back with their views as soon as possible. 

In response, Ogoni leaders convened a congress at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori to share details of their meeting with the president. The gathering attracted a large crowd with the different opinions on the proposed action.

Senator Barry Mpigi, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, and former MOSOP President Ledum Mitee addressed the people. They stressed the importance of dialogue for resolving longstanding issues in Ogoniland.

During the speeches, some youths displayed placards expressing skepticism about the oil resumption plan. They demanded transparency and fairness in negotiations with the federal government.

Placards carried messages such as “Ledum Mitee, you failed us,” and “Exonerate Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight of murder.” Their actions disrupted the meeting, creating tension.

As the situation grew uneasy, facilitators and stakeholders hurriedly left the venue. The abrupt end of the event showed the deep-seated mistrust among the Ogoni people.

Despite the disruption, a resolution was issued by Ogoni leaders after the meeting. It acknowledged government efforts and urged unity among Ogoni people to ensure a fair and inclusive dialogue process.

The resolution called for justice, development, and inclusion. It explained the need for all Ogoni people, regardless of differences, to support the ongoing consultation and negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and other groups backed the oil resumption plan but insisted on fair representation and full inclusion in the process.