President Bola Tinubu has called on the people of Ogoniland to set aside historical grievances and embrace peace for sustainable development.
The appeal was made during a meeting at the Aso Rock Villa on Tuesday, where the President met with a delegation of Ogoni leaders, stakeholders, and government officials.
The meeting, which included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and other key figures, emphasized the importance of unity, justice, and reconciliation.
Tinubu’s Call for Healing and Progress
President Tinubu urged the Ogoni delegation to focus on healing past wounds through reconciliation, stating:
“We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry.”
To facilitate this, the President directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to lead negotiations with the Ogoni people. He called for inclusive consultation, mutual understanding, and collaboration among all stakeholders to resolve longstanding issues in the region.
Tinubu also stressed the need for trust and inclusiveness:
“We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland.”
Federal Government’s Commitment
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President commended the Ogoni delegation for choosing dialogue as a means of resolving disputes. He emphasized the Federal Government’s dedication to peace, justice, and environmental restoration in Ogoniland.
Tinubu also instructed the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Rivers State Government, and other relevant stakeholders to work closely with the NSA to achieve these objectives.
Personal Connection and Reflection
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the Ogoni people, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to honoring their sacrifices:
“It has been many years since your children and myself partnered to resist military dictatorship in this country. No one dreamt I would be in this chair as President, but we thank God. I know what to do in memory of our beloved ones so that their sacrifices will not be in vain.”
Governor Fubara Pledges Support
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed gratitude to the President for his support of the Ogoni people. He highlighted the significance of the meeting, describing it as a follow-up to the President’s directive through the NSA.
Governor Fubara assured the delegation’s commitment to fulfilling the President’s instructions, particularly regarding the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
“What we are doing here today is to concretize the love and respect we have for the President… and for him to tell us to go back and continue the consultations with a timeline so that the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland will commence,” he said.
NSA Highlights Progress
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu praised the Ogoni people for their willingness to engage in dialogue and their trust in President Tinubu’s leadership. He emphasized the inclusive nature of the delegation, which represented the diverse constituencies and interests 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,” Ribadu stated.
Ogoni Leaders Commit to Peace
King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, represented the leadership of the Ogoni people. He pledged the community’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing Ogoniland.
The meeting marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to foster peace and address environmental, economic, and social challenges in the region.