By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland.
During a meeting with Ogoni leaders at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, the President called for unity and reconciliation, urging the people of the region to set aside historical grievances in pursuit of a brighter, more prosperous future.
In a heartfelt address, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of healing past wounds while moving forward collectively.
“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,” he said.
He appealed to the Ogoni people to embrace dialogue and collaboration as essential tools for progress, particularly in addressing lingering issues related to peace, development, and environmental restoration in the region.
To this end, the President directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to lead negotiations, ensuring inclusive consultations that reflect the interests of all stakeholders.
He also called on ministers, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Rivers State Government to cooperate fully with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to achieve this mandate.
“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,” President Tinubu urged.
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the Ogoni people, President Tinubu shared his personal connection to the struggles of the community.
“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,” he assured.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude to the President for his steadfast support of the Ogoni people and the inclusivity demonstrated in convening the meeting.
He highlighted the importance of resuming oil production in Ogoniland, assuring the President of the delegation’s commitment to following his directives and facilitating the consultations necessary to achieve the government’s objectives.
“What we are doing here today is to concretise the love and respect we have for the President for being behind this meeting 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,” Governor Fubara said.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu commended the Ogoni people for their trust in President Tinubu’s leadership and their willingness to engage in dialogue as a pathway to meaningful progress.
He noted that the over 50-member delegation, representing the diverse constituencies and perspectives of Ogoni society, reflected a collective readiness to address the region’s challenges constructively.
“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.
Speaking on behalf of Ogoni leadership, King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, affirmed the community’s commitment to the dialogue process and their willingness to work towards lasting solutions for Ogoniland.
