Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State has held the Federal Government to create a state for them as part of conditions for resumption of oil exploration in the area. The people made the demand at a town hall meeting organised by the 20 communities in Gokana Local Government Area, yesterday. The communities that participated in the peaceful meeting supervised by Archbishop Kattey, Tom Orage and Ledum Mitee, including, Barakor, Bera, Biara, Bodo, Boghor, Bomu, B-Dere and Deeyor, insisted that the government should create “Ogoni State” with the capital in Bori town. Others Dekaen, Gbe, Giokoo, Goi, K-Dere, Koh, Kpor, Leewe, Mogho, Nwebiara, Nweol and Yeegeh.
In their various written memoranda submitted, the communities demanded for the implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights, including “political autonomy, control over Ogoni economic resources, adequate representation in Nigerian institutions, protection of the Ogoni environment, and the development of Ogoni culture and language”. The communities further demanded for self-determination for the Ogoni people amidst severe exploitation and environmental degradation, primarily caused by oil companies operating in their area. The Co-chairman of the Ogoni dialogue committee, in his address, Archbishop Kattey explained that the town hall meeting is a crucial part of a series of grassroots consultations that the Ogoni Dialogue Committee has diligently planned.
Kattey said: “We are here to ensure that the voices of the people of Gokana, and all of Ogoni, resonate loudly and clearly in the ongoing dialogue with our federal government. Your insights, experiences, and aspirations are vital to shaping our collective future.”
“Precisely two weeks ago, we gathered at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori for an Ogoni National Congress. During that significant event, we briefed the Ogoni people about the recent meeting between the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our Ogoni delegation at the Presidential Villa. The outcomes of that meeting with the President were remarkable, particularly the government’s immediate commitment to implement some of the confidence-building measures requested by our delegation including the signing into law the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Saakpenwa.” He appreciated President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders for initiating the ongoing dialogue with the Ogoni people.
He encouraged each community represented to submit hard copies of their written memoranda to the committee, adding that the documented thoughts, concerns, and recommendations are essential. However, the paramount ruler of Gokana, King Festus Babari Bagia, described the dialogue process as a significant milestone of their quest for justice and equity in Ogoniland. Bagia urged indigenes of Ogoni to avoid violence or any action that would jeopardise their interest, urging the leaders to ensure that their demands are achieved”.
Ogoni lists creation of Ogoni State as condition for resumption of oil exploration
