President Bola Tinubu has tasked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, with leading negotiations to restart oil production in Ogoniland, located in the Niger Delta, following years of disruption.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with Ogoni leaders, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu emphasized that his administration would prioritize peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland. He urged unity and reconciliation among the Ogoni people, calling for a collective effort to address past grievances and build a more prosperous future.
“We cannot rewrite history, but we can correct past wrongs and move forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we remain angry,” Tinubu said, according to a statement from his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. He urged the Ogoni community to engage in further consultations and embrace cooperation for the region’s peace, development, and environmental restoration.
The President further encouraged a cooperative approach from ministers, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, and the Rivers State Government to support the efforts led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in achieving the goal of resuming oil production.
Reflecting on his past ties to the Ogoni people, Tinubu recalled the partnership with Ogoni activists in the struggle against military dictatorship, expressing his commitment to ensuring the sacrifices made by the Ogoni people would not be in vain.
Governor Fubara, in his remarks, thanked President Tinubu for his continued support and reiterated the importance of resuming oil operations in the region. He affirmed the delegation’s commitment to the President’s directive and the necessary steps to facilitate the resumption of oil production.
King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, also spoke on behalf of the Ogoni leadership, expressing the community’s readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing Ogoniland.
This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the region’s long-standing issues with oil production and environmental degradation, as the government seeks to pave the way for sustainable development and peace in Ogoniland.
