By Okeke Eunice
President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation, called on the people of Ogoniland to foster mutual trust, engage in broader consultations, and collaborate to achieve peace, development, and environmental renewal in the region.
He assured that his administration would focus on ensuring peace, justice, and sustainable progress in the area.
Tinubu made these remarks during a private meeting with Ogoniland leaders, led by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.
Details of the meeting were disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “President Tinubu Pledges Peace, Justice, Development in Ogoniland.”
During the meeting, President Tinubu made an impassioned appeal for unity and reconciliation, encouraging the Ogoni people to put past conflicts behind them and collaborate to achieve peace, progress, and environmental restoration.
“We must build mutual trust and work together. Return home, engage in broader consultations, and include others in the process,” Tinubu urged.
He added, “Let us ensure this journey is meaningful by restoring peace, fostering development, and creating a cleaner environment in Ogoniland.”
“We cannot change history, but we can address and correct some of its past injustices as we move forward,” President Tinubu stated, adding, “Healing cannot occur if we continue to hold on to anger.”
He directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to lead the negotiations and called for inclusive dialogue and mutual understanding. The President praised the delegation for supporting the Federal Government-led discussions and stressed the importance of collaboration, trust, and inclusivity in addressing the region’s challenges.
Tinubu also urged ministers, the NNPCL, and the Rivers State Government to work closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to fulfill this mission.
Expressing gratitude for the meeting, Tinubu said, “It is a privilege to have this opportunity for dialogue with the people of Ogoniland. Many years ago, your children and I stood together to resist military dictatorship in this country. No one imagined I would one day sit in this chair as President, but we thank God for His plans.”
He reflected on his past relationships with members of the Ogoni community, saying, “Many of your sons here today were my friends and companions in the struggle, whether in the streets of Nigeria, Europe, or America. I know what must be done to honor the memories of our loved ones and ensure their sacrifices were not in vain.”
Governor Fubara expressed his gratitude to the President for his support of the Ogoni people and for hosting a diverse delegation representing the community at the Presidential Villa.
Governor Fubara explained that the meeting was a follow-up to a task assigned to him by the President through the National Security Adviser. Highlighting the importance of restarting oil activities in Ogoniland, he assured the delegation’s commitment to following the President’s directives and providing the necessary support to achieve the government’s goals.
“What we are doing today is solidifying our appreciation and respect for the President, who facilitated this meeting, and to act on his instructions to continue consultations within a set timeline to enable the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland,” Fubara said.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also praised the Ogoni people for their confidence in President Tinubu and for embracing dialogue as a means to achieve sustainable progress and lasting solutions.
“Guided by Mr. President’s vision of ensuring every voice is heard and every interest considered, my office, the DSS, the Rivers State Government, and the Minister of FCT worked collaboratively and consultatively to bring together this delegation,” Ribadu said.
He further noted that the delegation, comprising over 50 members, represented the rich diversity of Ogoni society, encompassing various constituencies, interests, and perspectives.
“The presence of this delegation reflects the Ogoni people’s commitment to engaging constructively in the pursuit of peace, justice, and sustainable development,” he remarked.
King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom and a representative of Ogoni leadership, expressed the willingness of community leaders to participate in efforts to resolve the longstanding issues in Ogoniland.
While Governor Fubara and the Ogoni delegation arrived earlier, the meeting was later joined by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, stated that the President had tasked the National Security Adviser with coordinating efforts, with support from both the former and current Rivers State Governors. Momoh added that discussions also focused on resuming petroleum exploration and continuing the cleanup of Ogoniland.
“The President has directed the National Security Adviser to lead the process and encouraged all Ogoni stakeholders to cooperate with his office to bring peace to the region,” Momoh explained.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, highlighted the Federal Government’s goal to complete the Ogoni cleanup within three to four years, noting that half of the project has already been accomplished.
The delegation included notable figures such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Leedom Mitee, Senators Bennett Birabi, Barry Mpigi, and Prof. B. Fakae, among others.
Also present at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas; and the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.