Don’t Discuss Oil Resumption In Ogoni Without Us, Group Warns
From ERIC MOORE, Port Harcourt
The Ogoni Oil Bearing Communities (OOBC) has warned that resumption of oil exploration should not be discussed in Ogoniland without the involvement of the host communities.
This was part of the resolutions the group reached at the end of its quarterly meeting for the year, 2024, held at the palace of the Gberemene Tua Tua Tai, and Paramount Ruler of Kpite community, HRM, King Samuel Nne, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
In a six-point communique signed by President of Ogoni Oil Bearing Communities, Donald Gberesuu, the group reiterated its insistence that only an indigenous company would be allowed to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland.
The OOBC said the theme of the quarterly meeting, which was “Practical Involvement”, expressed the demand of the people for the involvement of oil bearing communities in matters relating to oil and gas and its related benefits.
It decried the plights and act of marginalization of the OOBC in the scheme things by certain greedy Ogonis and the Nigerian State, describing it as “quite unfortunate.”
The OOBC stated: “That issues related to oil resumption on our lands shouldn’t be discussed without involvement and without consideration of our benefits.
“That we shall continue to insist on eligible Ogoni indigenous Company(s) as the company to resume oil production in partnership with a Firm that has required financial strength, capability and transparency.
Also, the group commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for the audience he granted its delegation and assurances to look into OOBC demands.
The oil bearing communities declared that they are “not subservient and shall not relegate our responsibilities to middle men and interrupters who are fronting greed and usurpation of common opportunities.
The communities called President Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Environment and other agencies responsible for activities of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to involve the leadership of the Ogoni Oil Bearing Communities on all management committees of HYPREP.
The communities further urged the presidency to accept recommendation of Ogoni representations on these committees as a way of improving participation of affected oil bearing communities.
They demanded: “That we demand for general meeting of Ogoni people to provide suitable medium to express the goodwill messages and the commitment of Mr. President to the Ogonis.
“That no Ogoni man or woman should think that Ogonis cannot move without him or her, neither should any act in contrary to divide Ogonis into crisis for personal interest.
“That those who made the list to visit Mr. President are all Ogonis with repute and we cannot undermine them. I therefore, call on the Ogonis to give peace a chance if we must move forward.
“That the Supreme Council of Ogoni, under the coordination of Chief Samuel Nneh, should come together to deliver sound leadership to the Ogoni as usual with the need to review and consider the inclusion of all paramount Rulers as members for adequate representation.”
Meanwhile, Chief Sylvester Kogbara moved motion for the adoption of Ogoni Royal Resources and Energy Limited, as the indigenous company “to mine, process, export and extract oil and gas of Ogoniland.”
The motion was unanimously adopted by the oil bearing communities.
“Our believe and acceptance of Ogoni Oil and Gas Company is to the extent of its indigenous, which provides trust for transparent and equitable share of resources across Ogoni communities.”
Ends.