Ogoni leaders refuse oil deal without consultations
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
The Ogoni Dialogue Committee refuses to sign the proposed agreement with the Nigerian government on resuming oil exploration without credible congresses in the four local government areas of Ogoniland. It also calls for visible commitments on infrastructure to restore confidence in the process, according to Punch.
The Ogoni Dialogue Committee, which is negotiating with the Nigerian federal government on resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, refuses to sign the proposed memorandum of understanding until credible congresses are held in the four local government areas of Rivers State, according to Punch. The committee believes these consultations should secure the necessary consent and legitimacy from Ogoni communities.
Meeting in Port Harcourt with 35 of its members, the committee also asked the government of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen measures aimed at restoring confidence. It specifically cited construction of the Eleme section of the East-West Road as a development commitment necessary for the dialogue, according to Punch.
Samuel Nnee, king of Tai and coordinator of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, called on committee members to remain united. He praised Bola Tinubu's commitment to resolving the Ogoni crisis and the role of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Director-General of the Department of State Services Oluwatosin Ajayi, according to Punch.
The king of Eleme, Philip Obele, reaffirmed that the committee intended to continue consultations to protect the interests of all Ogoni communities, according to Punch.
