Tinubu Meets Fubara, Ogoni Leaders in Aso Rock

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had yesterday met with Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State and Ogoni leaders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting was rumoured to be a discussion galore over oil exploration and environmental cleanup efforts in Ogoni land.

Top government officials and stakeholders attended the meeting. Governor Fubara was accompanied by prominent Ogoni leaders, including Senators Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, and Chief Victor Giadom. Also present were the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) CEO, Mele Kyari, and ministers of environment, information, and regional development.

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu was also in attendance. The meeting’s agenda has not been officially disclosed. However, it is expected to focus on the long-delayed Ogoni cleanup project and the resumption of oil exploration in the region. Civil society organizations have previously demand  $1 trillion from the Federal Government for environmental cleanup and compensation before restarting crude oil production in Ogoniland.

Environmental activists have expressed concerns over the government’s reported plans to resume oil operations, citing unfulfilled promises and environmental hazards affecting local communities.

The 2011 UNEP report documented severe pollution in Ogoniland caused by oil activities. Activists argue that the government has not fully implemented the report’s recommendations.