Experts believe the resumption of oil exploration activities will boost the Ogoni economy. But it requires unity, and consultations.
Seventeen groups, along with representatives of six kingdoms and two special units of Ogoni extraction, have called for the resumption of oil exploration in the area.
In a joint press conference in Bori, Khana Local Government Area (LGA), the groups said the resumption of oil activities will boost the local economy.
This comes after the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and a faction of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) condemned the recent visit to the Presidency by some Ogoni leaders for the resumption of oil exploration.
However, the youth leaders and representatives from Ogoni clans have expressed their displeasure over the criticism. They gathered to show their support for resuming oil exploration activities.
Some attendees were part of the delegation that met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa for the talks.
Speaking in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogonis, they addressed “wrong impressions” about their visit to the Villa.
The Barinuazor-led faction of NYCOP and the Joint Representative Council (JRC) reiterated key demands for oil resumption as outlined in a communique endorsed by the leaders present.
Their key declarations and demands as presented to the Presidency include:
– Full support for oil resumption.
– Exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and 13 others.
– Multi-stakeholder consultations.
– Call for unity.
– Unbundling of OML 11 oil block and making the Ogoni oil fields into oil blocks.
– Presidential consent to the bill for an act that seeks the establishment of a federal university in Ogoni land.
– The Evacuation back home, resettlement, and rehabilitation of Ogoni refugees in Benin Republic and other countries
Experts believe the resumption of oil exploration activities would boost the economy of Ogoni. But it requires unity, consultations with major parties, and caution due to the environmental damage suffered by the Ogonis, which has yet to be fully remediated.
