President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday reassured the Ogoni people of his administration’s commitment to fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland.
In a meeting with Ogoni leaders at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu urged the region to set aside historical grievances and work collaboratively for progress and environmental restoration.
“We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward,” the President said. “We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry.”
The President directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to lead negotiations while emphasizing inclusivity and consultation as key to resolving lingering issues in the oil-rich region.
“We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others,” Tinubu advised. “We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland.”
The President also instructed the Rivers State Government, relevant ministers, and the NNPCL to collaborate with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to drive the reconciliation process.
“It is a great honor for me to have this meeting,” Tinubu noted. “It has been many years since your children and myself partnered to resist military dictatorship in this country. I know what to do in memory of our beloved ones so that their sacrifices will not be in vain.”
Governor Fubara Expresses Gratitude
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara thanked President Tinubu for facilitating the dialogue and expressed commitment to supporting the administration’s objectives.
“What we are doing here today is to concretize the love and respect we have for the President,” Fubara said. “He has directed us to continue consultations with a timeline so that the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland will commence.”
Ribadu Praises Ogoni Commitment to Peace
Mallam Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, lauded the Ogoni people for their trust in President Tinubu’s leadership and their willingness to embrace dialogue.
“Guided by Mr. President’s vision that every voice is heard and every interest is considered, my office, the DSS, the government of Rivers State, and the Minister of FCT embarked on a diligent and consultative process to assemble this delegation,” Ribadu stated.
He highlighted that the over 50-member delegation represented the diverse interests and viewpoints of Ogoni society.
“The presence of this delegation is a testament to the Ogoni people’s readiness to engage constructively in the pursuit of peace, justice, and sustainable development,” he added.
Ogoni Leaders Ready to Engage
King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, speaking on behalf of the Ogoni leadership, affirmed their willingness to participate in the process of achieving lasting peace and progress for the region.
The meeting underscored the Federal Government’s determination to address the environmental and developmental challenges in Ogoniland while mending historical rifts for a more inclusive future.