By: Felix Ikpotor
The Ogoni National Youth Congress has called on members of the public especially Ogonis to remain vigilant amidst claims suggesting change in the leadership of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC).
Recall that since Thursday’s meeting between the ODC and Federal Government delegation in Abuja on modalities towards resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, there has been rumours especially on the social media suggesting that Professor Don Baridam has been removed as Chairman of the ODC and replaced by Senator Olaka Nwogu.
The group in a statement by it’s spokesperson, Collins Lebete while reacting to the rumour, said rather than relying on the reports making the rounds online, the Congress undertook checks and consultations with relevant stakeholders, participants in the Abuja engagement and individuals familiar with the dialogue process to establish what actually transpired.
He said their findings indicate that Professor Don Baridam remains Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and that no official decision has been communicated removing or replacing him.
The group said that their investigation further established that the Abuja meeting was part of the ongoing engagement between the Federal Government and the ODC, adding that the meeting focused on harmonising areas of agreement and discussing the implementation of accepted demands contained in the Committee’s report.
Lebete said the congress also learnt that concerns had earlier been raised over the composition of a proposed harmonisation team, stressing that following a request from the ODC for broader participation, a revised list of nominees was adopted to allow the engagement with the Federal Government to proceed.
He said Senator Olaka Nwogu participated in the meeting as a political representative and was involved in moderating discussions alongside members of the ODC leadership.
However, he stated that they found no evidence that his participation or role in moderating the meeting constituted a change in the leadership of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee.
“Professor Don Baridam, according to information obtained by the Congress, remained recognised as the leader of the Ogoni delegation and delivered the Committee’s address at the meeting.
“There was no official announcement declaring Professor Baridam removed, replaced or resigned as Chairman.
“The Congress therefore calls on those behind the contrary reports to produce the official resolution, communiqué or authoritative statement announcing a change in the leadership of the ODC.
“The question is simple: where is the official document announcing that Professor Don Baridam has been removed? Until such a document is produced, the Congress urges the public to treat reports of a leadership change as unverified information, ” he added.
The group further expressed concerns on the dangers of spreading false information concerning the ODC, urging Ogoni youths to resist attempts to use them as instruments in disputes over political influence or personal interests.
The group advised that the Ogoni Dialogue should remain focused on the interests of the Ogoni people and must not become a platform for political capture.
