Tinubu Eyes Oil Production In Ogoniland, Tasks NSA, NNPCL On Talks

 

The President, who issued the directive in Abuja while receiving Ogoni leaders, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, at the Aso Villa, stated that his administration would prioritize peace, justice, and sustainable development in the region. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also attended the conference.

Tinubu appealed for unity and reconciliation, calling the Ogoni people to put aside past grudges and work together to achieve peace, development, and a cleaner environment.

"We cannot alter history, but we can address certain historical anomalies moving ahead. "We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry," Tinubu stated, according to a statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
 

"We need to work together with mutual trust. Return home, have more discussions, and welcome others. "We must make this trip worthwhile by restoring peace, development, and a clean environment in Ogoniland," the President stated.

He urged ministries, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, and the Rivers State Government to work with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to fulfill this responsibility.

"It is a huge honor for me to have this meeting, which allows me to communicate with the people of Ogoniland.

"It has been several years since your children and I collaborated to oppose the military tyranny in this country. Nobody imagined I'd be in this chair as President, but we thank God.

"Many of your sons here were my pals and co-travellers on the streets of Nigeria, Europe, and America.

"I know what to do in memory of our beloved ones so that their sacrifices will not be in vain," according to the president.

Governor Fubara, for his part, praised the President for his support of the Ogoni people and for welcoming an all-inclusive delegation of the people to the Presidential Villa.

The governor emphasized the necessity of resuming oil activities in Ogoniland and pledged the delegation's commitment to following the President's directives and providing the necessary support to achieve the government's goals.

"What we are doing here today is to concretise the love and respect we have for the President for being behind this meeting and for him to tell us to go back and continue the consultations with a timeline so that the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland will commence," added the leader.

In addition, the National Security Adviser praised the Ogoni people for placing their trust in President Tinubu and embracing dialogue as a means of achieving significant progress and long-term solutions.

King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, represented the Ogoni leadership and affirmed the community leaders' desire to participate in the process of finding long-term solutions to Ogoniland's remaining difficulties.