Babatunji Wusu –
- Call for Bori State: The Ogoni people have demanded the creation of Bori State, comprising the Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai Local Government Areas of Ogoniland.
- Ogoni Bill of Rights: They are also calling for the full implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights as a condition for the resumption of oil activities in the region.
- Meeting with Government: This demand was made during a town hall meeting in Kpor, where Ogoni leaders discussed the government’s plan to recommence oil extraction, which has been suspended since 1993.
- Support for Development: Ogoni leaders expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other officials for their efforts to engage the community in the dialogue process.
The Ogoni people have firmly requested the creation of Bori State from the four Local Government Areas—Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai—that make up Ogoniland. This demand was raised during a town hall meeting between Ogoni communities and the Ogoni Dialogue Committee in Kpor, Gokana LGA, on Sunday.
In addition to the creation of Bori State, the Ogoni people are calling for the full implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights, which they consider a prerequisite for the proposed resumption of oil extraction in the region. This call follows a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Ogoni leaders regarding the planned recommencement of oil activities, which were suspended in 1993 due to unrest.
The government’s initiative to resume oil extraction is part of broader efforts to increase the nation’s oil production to over two million barrels per day by December. Goddy Baadom, representing the Bera community in Gokana, emphasized that the creation of Bori State must be a primary condition for oil extraction in the area. Other demands from the Ogoni communities include the provision of essential amenities and a stake in any future oil projects in Ogoniland.
The dialogue process was lauded by Ignatius Kattey, Archbishop of Niger Delta North and co-chairperson of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, who acknowledged the government’s commitment, particularly through the establishment of the Federal University of Environment Technology in Ogoniland and the fast-tracked construction of the Onne section of the East-West Road.
Kattey also emphasized that the ongoing town hall meetings are vital to ensure that the voices of the Ogoni people are clearly communicated to the federal government. He expressed gratitude to key figures like President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for facilitating the dialogue.
King Festus Bagia of the Gokana Kingdom also underscored the importance of this dialogue in advancing the Ogoni people’s quest for justice and equity, urging residents to avoid violence and actions that could derail the peace process and development efforts.
