Mixed reactions have continued to trail the Federal Government’s planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State, as stakeholders express deep concerns over unaddressed environmental and social justice issues.

President Bola Tinubu, on January 21, 2025, met the Ogoni leaders in Abuja, promising that his administration would prioritise peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area as the Federal Government planned oil exploration resumption.

At the meeting, the President passionately called for unity and reconciliation, urging the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment.

“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.

The President also promised that some of their grievances would be looked into, as the Federal Government prepares to resume oil exploration in the land.

At the meeting were the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, among others.

However, during a visit to some Ogoni towns by The PUNCH, some community leaders said progress is being made toward addressing long-standing demands, while others insist that the core grievances that halted oil production in the region for over three decades remain unresolved.

The King of the ancient Bangha Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area and a member of the Ogoni delegation that met with President Bola Tinubu earlier this year, King Suanu Baridam, expressed support for the planned oil resumption.

“Yes, I am satisfied because they (the Federal Government) are gradually doing exactly the proposal we presented to them in Abuja when we visited.

“One of the major proposals was the issue of the University of Environmental Technology, which has been approved.

“Academic activities are set to begin. A vice-chancellor has been appointed, and many of our key brothers have been included in the governing council. This is a good step,” he said.

The monarch confirmed that project inspections would soon commence, including roads, hospitals, and schools proposed to the Federal Government.

On whether Ogoni people are ready for oil resumption, Baridam responded, “Our people are ready. We will not allow the oil to remain in the ground forever while the people are dying from starvation and economic hardship. Crime is on the rise due to a lack of employment.”

He added, “We have all agreed as Ogoni people to allow oil to flow in the area so that business can start. That is why we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure peace.”

While acknowledging dissenting voices, Baridam dismissed their influence.

“One or a few people will disagree based on their understanding, but that does not stop the operation.

“With what is going on now, I think people have gotten a different opinion, that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is serious about the empowerment, economy, and security of the area.”

However, an environmental activist and Ogoni native, Celestine Akpobari, strongly opposed the oil resumption without proper remediation and justice.

“We cannot support the resumption of oil operation, especially as the cleanup exercise is yet to fully start,” said Akpobari, who leads the People’s Advancement Centre.

He said, “You know you cannot kick-start a cleanup and at the same time engage in activities that will re-pollute the area.

“At least the cleanup should take root. What is the wisdom in turning on the tap and trying to mop the floor at the same time?”

He condemned what he described as attempts to use the university as bait to gain oil access.

The activist said, “You are signing out a university for the Ogoni people because you want to take oil. Even private individuals like Bishop David Oyedepo have two. So what kind of special thing are you trying to do?”

Akpobari emphasised that deeper issues must be addressed.

“Over 2,000 people were murdered in cold blood in Ogoni. They have not even asked how to compensate those families or put the perpetrators on trial. These are things people should be talking about.”

He warned, “You don’t just pound pepper and put it in a bleeding wound. These palliatives scratch the surface of the problem. The youths being misinformed now may turn on each other when oil wealth doesn’t reach them.”

The Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene, echoed Akpobari’s concerns and urged the government to revisit the Ogoni Bill of Rights, which, according to him, laid out the foundation for any meaningful engagement.

“The project is far from being achieved, and they are talking about resumption. The cleanup must take centre stage and be achieved to a reasonable extent before resumption begins,” he said.

He added, “Environmental degradation, economic strangulation, and political marginalisation must be addressed. No Ogoni has ever been governor, deputy governor, speaker, or chief judge in Rivers State.”

Dumnamene also criticised the Don Baridam-led Ogoni Dialogue Committee for failing to validate the feedback collected from the communities before submitting recommendations to the Federal Government.

“What was submitted to the Federal Government was not known to the people. After consultations, they should have called a validation meeting where the people would approve the outcome. Without that, the submission lacks legitimacy,” he said.

He warned against any attempt at forceful entry into Ogoni.

“If these issues are not addressed and oil resumption continues, then those who were killed in 1995 – Ken Saro-Wiwa and others – would have died in vain,” he said.

He concluded, “Ogoni are ready if these issues are addressed. But if they are not, resuming oil production will ignite a new round of crisis that the country may not be ready for in the 21st century.” (The PUNCH)