The Ogoni Dialogue Committee has refused to sign a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government on resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland until credible congresses are conducted across the four Ogoni local government areas in Rivers State. The committee said the congresses are necessary to secure the consent, legitimacy and confidence of the Ogoni people in any agreement reached with the government.
The committee raised concerns about the Federal Government's confidence-building measures and called on the Tinubu administration to show more commitment, particularly regarding construction of the Eleme section of the East-West Road. According to the committee, visible development commitments are critical to rebuilding trust in the dialogue process. The resolutions were made at a meeting of 35 ODC members in Port Harcourt, where the group reviewed the proposed MoU, ongoing consultations and efforts to resolve the Ogoni crisis.
Samuel Nnee, a paramount ruler of Tai Kingdom and convener of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, called for unity among members to ensure the success of the dialogue. He commended President Tinubu for his commitment to resolving the Ogoni crisis and acknowledged the roles of National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Director-General of the Department of State Services Oluwatosin Ajayi. Nnee said: 'The engagement process has been painstaking and difficult, but we are hopeful that with patience, unity and cooperation, the desired results will be achieved.'
The King of Eleme, Philip Obele, reiterated the committee's determination to remain united and protect the interests of all Ogoni communities. He stated: 'We shall not sign any MoU unless and until we have held credible and authentic congresses as approved by the ODC, organised and hosted by our elected council chairmen.' The chairmen of the four local government areas have been tasked with sensitising and engaging their communities ahead of the congresses and reported significant progress.
The committee expressed concern about the suspension of confidence-building projects that were earlier agreed upon as part of the proposed MOU. Prof. Innocent Barikor, an ODC member, appealed to the Federal Government to urgently resume the projects, particularly the abandoned Eleme section of the East-West Road. He said the implementation of the projects was essential to restoring public confidence and demonstrating the government's sincerity in the ongoing engagement.