Protests Disrupt Oil Resumption Congress in Ogoni

Efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revive oil production in Ogoni are facing significant setbacks as protests erupted in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people in Rivers State. The protests forced the cancellation of a planned congress aimed at sensitizing the Ogoni community about the resumption of oil operations in the area.

The congress, organized by a group formed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, was intended to engage Ogoni stakeholders in the oil resumption dialogue. However, protestors, some carrying placards with messages like “Ledum Mitee and Ribadu, Leave Ogoni Alone” and “Exonerate Ken Saro-Wiwa,” disrupted the event, signaling strong opposition to the plan.

The protest is the latest in a series of challenges surrounding the sensitive issue of oil resumption in Ogoni. Recently, a delegation of Ogoni leaders, led by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, visited President Tinubu to discuss the possibility of reviving oil production in the region, a process that has been halted for decades due to environmental and political concerns.

In response to the President’s directive, the NSA had been tasked with ensuring the inclusion of all relevant Ogoni stakeholders in the dialogue. However, this move has faced strong opposition. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has been particularly vocal, accusing Nuhu Ribadu of sidelining their position. MOSOP president, Fegalo Nsuke, claimed that Ribadu had gone back on a previous commitment to ensure MOSOP’s involvement in the discussions, further fueling the tension.

Nsuke stated that MOSOP, which has historically led the struggle for Ogoni rights and environmental justice, would continue to represent the Ogoni people. “The Ogoni people are conscious of the sensitive nature of this issue and will not be swayed by decisions made without their input,” Nsuke stated in a release.

The growing unrest surrounding the oil resumption plan reflects the deep divisions within the Ogoni community, with some groups advocating for development while others demand a more inclusive process that respects the legacy of environmental activism, especially in light of the historic struggle led by figures like Ken Saro-Wiwa.

With protests continuing and various factions at odds, the future of oil production in Ogoni remains uncertain, with calls for a more transparent and comprehensive approach to include all Ogoni stakeholders in the decision-making process.