… Tinubu vows to diligently pursue Ogoni cleanup program inherited
… says, “We must heal the wounds of the past, live and prepare for our children’s future”
Oredola Adeola
Ogoni traditional rulers and leaders have urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the shutdown of oil production at OML 11, emphasizing the potential economic impact of unlocking an additional 100,000 barrels of oil per day and 120 million cubic feet of gas per day, which could contribute over $5 billion annually to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The members of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni, Rivers State, led by King Samuel Nnee, Gbenemene Tai Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai, made the passionate appeal during a meeting with the President on Wednesday at the State House.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, made this known in a statement, obtained by Advisors Reports following the meeting on Wednesday.
Advisors Reports gathered that in January 1993, about 300,000 Ogoni people protested peacefully against what they term as perceived economic exploitation and oil pollution by Shell, leading to the suspension of production activities in the field.
The Nigerian Government decided to shut down oil production increasing local and international protests against the exploitation of the Ogoni people by oil companies and the government.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu in his response to requests presented by the Ogoni leaders for the resuscitation of oil and gas production in Ogoniland, which comprises the Eleme, Khana, Gokana, and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State, promised his administration’s commitment to unlocking the human and natural resource potential of Ogoniland, while ensuring the environmental and economic security of Nigerian communities.
He said, “We must heal the wounds of the past. We must live and prepare for the future of our children, and we must be committed to uplifting the livelihoods of our people in a free Nigeria.
“This is all part of the healing process for the Ogoni people. There is equally the Ogoni clean-up programme that I inherited. That will be pursued diligently and honourably. The number of people that we will empower will increase as time goes on.
“I am glad that this meeting has emphasized peace and stability through the resuscitation of businesses in Ogoniland. Without these businesses, the recovery of this country will be adversely affected.
“Safety precautions, environmental and other challenges must be looked into, and we will certainly do that.
“My unwavering dedication to freedom for all people and the value of democratic governance has not diminished because I have been elected by the people, and I have to make the people the central focus of our governance of Nigeria,” the President stated.
Having appointed his Official Spokesperson and most recently, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) from the area, President Tinubu restated his commitment to deepening collaboration with Ogoni leaders to create mutually beneficial economic opportunities for Ogoniland and Nigeria at large.
“I am ready to work with the Ogoni people and engage with the Government of Rivers State and the people of Nigeria to ensure that we give all of you a bright future in this country,” the President affirmed.
President Tinubu further commended Mr. Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the FCT for his dedication to alleviating the plight of the Ogoni people.
“I share the same view about Ogoniland with the Minister of the FCT. He is very much concerned about the progress, peace, and stability of the Ogoni people, and he has discussed this with me on several occasions, and I thank him for that,” the President said.
King Nnee, had earlier in his remark, commended President Tinubu for his numerous achievements within one year in office, highlighting the ongoing construction work on the Onne-Junction/Eleme-Junction axis of the East-West Road.
“Your unspeakable dedication to service and empathy are the propelling forces behind your prompt response to our people’s yearnings which the past administrations have persistently promised and failed to meet,” he said.
According to the Paramount Ruler of Kpite Tai, previous administrations were unable to resolve the pertinent issues associated with the shutting down of oil production in Ogoniland.
He informed the President that the Ogoni people are prepared for the commencement of oil and gas production in Ogoniland with the potential unbundling of OML 11 – bearing an additional production capacity of 100,000 barrels per day and 120 million cubic feet of gas per day.
”This will contribute $5 billion per annum to Nigeria’s GDP on an asset that is currently owned 100 percent by the NNPCL.
“The people-driven vision of the Ogoni Economic Rebirth Project is a matter of the moment among our kith and kin. Our people’s hope is glowing with the expectation that the time to revitalize the economic nerves of our land is now.
“Ogoni people are gifted, peace-loving, and hospitable, and our children are making an impact across all sectors, as well as the oil industry, from where they are prepared to bring their expertise to bear for the good of our people and the entire country,” the monarch said.
The meeting was also attended by Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.
