The people of Gokana in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State have given conditions for the restarting of oil exploration in Ogoniland, even though they support the resumption of oil exploration.
The two conditions are the creation of Bori State, and the implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
The communities speaking through their representatives at a town hall meeting with the Ogoni Dialogue Committee at Kpor, headquarters of Gokana Local Government Area, reiterated their support for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
Co-Chairman of the dialogue committee, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (rtd), while speaking at the town hall, had informed the communities that the meeting was part of the process of collating views, inputs and ideas of the Ogoni people to assist the committee come up with a position to present to the federal government.
Archbishop Kattey noted that already the federal government had started the confidence building measures, presented to it by the Ogoni delegation by signing into law the Federal University of Environmental Technology in Saakpenwa, and fast-tracking work on the Onne- Eleme Junction, section of the East West Road.
He assured the people that their inputs would be highly regarded, and further commended paramount rulers of the various communities for their village square meetings to articulate their points for the committee.
The committee co-chair thanked President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara for their commitment toward the dialogue process.
“Today’s town hall meeting is not merely a formality, but a crucial part of the series of grassroots consultations the Ogoni Dialogue Committee has planned.
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“We are here to ensure that the voices of Ogoni people, Gokana and all Ogonis are heard clearly in the ongoing dialogue with the federal government.
“As we move forward, we encourage each communities represented here today, to submit hard copies of their written memorandum to the committee as they are essential to our work. Your written submissions will ensure that every voice is captured and considered to articulate our demands,” Archbishop Kattey added.
Earlier, Deacon Goddy Baadom, who spoke on behalf of Bera Community, insisted that the creation of Bori State should first be considered as a major prerequisite for the resumption of oil exploration.
Others demanded for full implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights, amenities for their communities, while also calling for a stake in the would-be oil prospecting firm.
The King of Gokana Kingdom, King Festus Bagia, described the dialogue process as a significant milestone of the quest for justice and equity in Ogoniland.
The king advised indigenes of Ogoni to avoid violence or any action that can jeopardize their interest, adding that the leaders should ensure that the peoples’ demands are achieved.
