Ogoni Congress Reaffirms Commitment to Ongoing Dialogue with FG, Demands Wider Consultations

*Applauds Tinubu, Fubara, Ribadu on peaceful engagement

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Congress of Ogoni People in Rivers State has reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the federal government and other stakeholders ahead of the planned oil resumption in the area.

It commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu for initiating the peaceful dialogue, which was aimed at ensuring that the Ogoni people’s aspirations for development, environmental justice, and economic empowerment are realised.
These were contained in a resolution adopted at the congress held yesterday, and led by its chairman, Prof. Don Baridam; Co-Chairman, Arch-Bishop Ignatius Kattey; and Secretary, Tom Orage.

The congress was attended by over 10,000 Ogoni people, held yesterday, at the Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the state.
The congress which was also attended by Ogoni sons and daughters from across the four LGAs: Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai, witnessed the presence of influential sons of the area, including Victor Giadom, Barry Mpigi, Fred Kpakol, Ledum Mitee, among others.

Kattey, who presented the resolution on behalf of the congress, explained that the meeting was to brief the Ogoni people on the outcome of the recent stakeholders’ dialogue with President Tinubu and also plan how to achieve their demands from the government.
In the resolution, the Congress commended the President, for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, stressing that the meeting marks a significant step in addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people and fostering sustainable peace and development in our land.

“We also commend the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his steadfast leadership and commitment to the dialogue process as well as the Governor of Rivers State for his support in the process as well as other government officials who have contributed in making the process hitch-free.”
They also recognised the government’s swift and positive response to the confidence-building requests by the delegation, which included siting of a university in the area, employment of Ogoni indigenes in strategic positions, fast-tracking of the completion of the Eleme-Onne Road construction, among others.

“We acknowledge with gratitude the prompt actions taken by the government in response to the requests for confidence-building measures presented by our delegation, as a precursor to the dialogue, particularly: The signing into law of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni, a landmark achievement that will contribute to educational and environmental advancement.

“The fast-tracking of the completion of the critical road project from Eleme junction to Onne junction, which will enhance connectivity and economic development. The implementation of affirmative action in the employment of Ogoni sons and daughters in key federal institutions ensures greater inclusion and representation.
“The 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 our developmental needs.”

In their affirmation of support for the dialogue process, they stated “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.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the facilitators appointed to coordinate this process and express our confidence in their ability to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in the consultation and dialogue process.”

The Congress, however, called on all Ogoni sons and daughters, regardless of political, ethnic, or ideological differences, to unite in support of the dialogue process, saying “This is a defining moment for Ogoniland, and our collective effort is necessary to achieve meaningful progress”.

They added that the Congress remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, development, and inclusivity.

“We stand in solidarity with the government in this dialogue process and urge all Ogoni people to embrace unity and cooperation for the greater good of our land.”