President Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Peace, Justice, and Development in Ogoniland
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to prioritize peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland, vowing to address long-standing challenges and foster unity in the region. The President made this commitment during a meeting with Ogoni leaders at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.
Calling for reconciliation and dialogue, President Tinubu urged all stakeholders to work together in healing past grievances. “We cannot 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.
To ensure meaningful progress, Tinubu tasked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with spearheading negotiations and engaging in inclusive consultations with Ogoni stakeholders. He also called for collaboration among the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Rivers State Government, and relevant federal ministries.
“Mutual trust is essential,” Tinubu emphasized. “Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. Let us bring peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland.”
Reflecting on his personal connection with the Ogoni struggle, Tinubu recalled the shared sacrifices during Nigeria’s resistance to military dictatorship. “It has been many years since your children and I partnered to resist military dictatorship. 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, part of the delegation, expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s leadership in addressing Ogoni concerns. He pledged to follow the President’s directives, including completing consultations to pave the way for the resumption of oil production in the region.
“What we are doing here today is to concretize the love and respect we have for the President for bringing us together. We will return and carry out consultations with a timeline so that oil production in Ogoniland can resume,” Fubara stated.
NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu commended the delegation for embracing dialogue over conflict, highlighting its inclusive representation of Ogoni society. “Guided by Mr. President’s vision, we ensured every voice and interest was represented in this delegation,” Ribadu explained.
King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, echoed the Ogoni leadership’s readiness to engage constructively, signaling a hopeful path forward for Ogoniland.
