…As Topba urges mass participation
By: Felix Ikpotor
The people of Ogoni in Rivers State have expressed satisfaction with the ongoing dialogue approach employed by the Federal Government towards ensuring the resumption of oil exploration in the area.
Ogoni oil has been under lock and key since 1995 following the extra-judicial murder of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogonis.
The Ogonis in a resolution issued after a congress held at the MOSOP Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori, Khana LGA said the dialogue process shows commitment by the Federal Government towards addressing the decades long agitation by the the people.
The resolution which was signed by Professor Don Baridam who is the chairman of the Dialogue Committee, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, co-chairman and the secretary, Barr. Tom Orage, also commended the confidence building measures already being implemented by the Federal Government as a precursor to the dialogue process.
The Congress expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, saying it is a significant step in addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people and fostering sustainable peace and development in the land.
They also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Rivers State Governor , Siminalayi Fubara for their leadership, commitment and support for the dialogue process.
Reading the resolution onbehalf of the congress, Dr Ignatius Kattey who is a retired archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta Anglican Communion said: “The Congress of Ogoni People fully supports the ongoing dialogue process between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government which has begun earnestly with the Ogoni-wide consultations . We believe that continued engagement and constructive discussions will lead to lasting solutions that will benefit our people and future generations”.
He noted the confidence building mechanisms being implemented by the Federal Government to include the signing into law a bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Saakpenwa, fast-tracking of the completion of the critical road project from Eleme junction to Onne junction , which will enhance connectivity and economic development, implementation of affirmative action in the employment of Ogoni sons and daughters in key federal institutions, ensuring greater inclusion and representation.
The congress also listed intervention in infrastructural development through the inclusion of key Ogoni projects in the current national budget as well as interventions by the NNPCL, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing the developmental needs of the area as part of the measures.
While expressing confidence in the facilitators of the dialogue process, the Ogoni Congress called in all Ogonis irrespective of political affiliations to unite and support the dialogue process.
The Ogoni Congress however, maintained that it remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice, development, and inclusivity while reaffirming their commitment towards a peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the people’s aspirations for environmental justice and economic empowerment are realized.
Meanwhile, Chief Gani Topba, the Leader and Spokesperson of Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP), has urged all Ogonis to fully participate in the ongoing dialogue by putting down their various opinions and submitting same to the committee for onward collation.
Topba, who spoke on the sideline of the Ogoni Congress in Bori expressed satisfaction and confidence in the ability of the committee to present the proper position of Ogoni People to the Presidency.
He also commended the Presidency for showing commitment in meeting the demands of Ogoni People and addressing years of neglect occasioned by environmental degradation.
