Ogonis Commend Tinubu Over Dialogue Meeting

The people of Ogoniland have commended President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity given to them to dialogue with the Federal Government over the development of the area.
The Ogonis comprising leaders from Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, the four local government areas that make up Ogoniland in Rivers State, gave the commendation at the weekend, at the Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori, in Khana Local Government Area where they met to discuss the development and growth of the area, especially the planned resumption of oil production in the area.
Speaking to over 10,000 Ogoni sons and daughters from different communities, the co-chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, Archbishop Ignatius C.O. Katty, commended Tinubu for the opportunity given to them to dialogue with him.
According to him, the meeting with the President marks a significant step in addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people and fostering sustainable peace and development in Ogoniland.
He also commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his steadfast leadership and commitment to the dialogue process; Rivers State Governor, Sir Sim Siminalayi for his support in the process, and other government officials who contributed in making the process hitch-free.
Also, in a six-point resolution signed by the chairman, Dialogue Committee, Prof Don Baridam; co-chairman, Archbishop Katty, and secretary, Barr Tom Jackson Orage, the Ogonis recognised the government’s swift and positive response to the confidence building requests by the delegation.
“We acknowledge with gratitude the prompt actions taken by the government in response to the confidence building measures requests presented by our delegation, as a precursor to the dialogue, particularly:
“The signing into law of the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Ogoni, a landmark achievement that will contribute to educational and environmental advancement;
“The fast-tracking of the completion of the critical road project from Eleme junction to Onne junction, which will enhance connectivity and economic development;
“The implementation of affirmative action in the employment of Ogoni sons and daughters in key federal institutions, ensuring greater inclusion and representation;
“The intervention in infrastructural development through the inclusion of key Ogoni projects in the current national budget as well as interventions by the NNPCL, demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing our developmental needs.”
The statement said further that, “The Congress of Ogoni People fully supports the ongoing dialogue process between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government which has begun earnestly with the Ogoni-wide consultations.
“We believe that continued engagement and constructive discussions will lead to lasting solutions that will benefit our people and future generations.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the facilitators appointed to coordinate this process and express our confidence in their ability to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in the consultation and dialogue process.”
The committee called on all Ogoni sons and daughters, regardless of political party, ethnic, or ideological differences, to unite in support of this dialogue process.
“This is a defining moment for Ogoni land, and our collective effort is necessary to achieve meaningful progress.
“We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the Ogoni people’s aspirations for development, environmental justice, and economic empowerment are realised.
“The Congress of Ogoni People remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice, development, and inclusivity.
“ We stand in solidarity with the government in this dialogue process and urge all Ogoni people to embrace unity and cooperation for the greater good of our land.”
The Tide reports that President Tinubu recently met with some Ogoni leaders led by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in Abuja on the planned oil resumption in the area.
The President then appointed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to facilitate the oil resumption talks with the Ogoni stakeholders, just as he asked the delegation to get the input of their people and feed him back.
As a result, the Ogoni leaders held a congress at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori, traditional headquarters of Ogoniland, at the weekend, to inform the people of the outcome of their meeting with Tinubu.

By: Kiadum Edookor