Tension in Rivers as Ogoni Oil Exploration Talks End Abruptly
By Chief Editor
Poor Planning, Youth Agitation Mar Congress in BoriBori, Rivers State, A crucial meeting on the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland ended abruptly on Saturday, stirring tension and dissatisfaction among attendees.
The congress, held at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori, was meant to gather input from Ogoni people across four local government areas Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme following President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
The President had, two weeks earlier, urged Ogoni leaders to engage their people before returning to Abuja with a unified stance on the matter. However, what was expected to be a landmark discussion quickly turned chaotic due to poor planning and an overwhelming turnout. By noon, the hall was already packed, forcing organizers to shift the meeting to an open field. Yet, the crowd continued to swell beyond expectations.
VIPs Flee as Tempers Rise: Prominent Ogoni figures, including Senator Barry Mpigo (Rivers South-East), APC Deputy National Chairman Chief Victor Giadom, and former Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) President Ledum Mitee, were present to address the gathering. The Co-Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, respected priest Ignatius Kattey, and Mitee took turns explaining the meeting’s purpose.
Mpigo, in his closing remarks, called for unity and peaceful dialogue, urging Ogoni people to put past grievances behind them. But the event, which started an hour late at around 2 p.m., lasted less than 60 minutes. As soon as the VIPs finished speaking, they hastily left the venue, triggering frustration among the youths.
Protests Erupt Over Lack of Transparency: Angered by what they perceived as a lack of proper engagement, some youths began displaying placards demanding transparency in the negotiation process. Many felt excluded from the discussion.
“How can they invite all four LGAs to a small venue and expect meaningful discussions?” questioned Emma, a young man from Khana. “They should have started discussions at the kingdom or LGA level before calling a general congress.”
What Next for Ogoni Oil Talks? The abrupt end of the meeting raises fresh concerns about the future of oil exploration in Ogoniland a long-contentious issue tied to environmental degradation, economic exclusion, and historical grievances.
While the Federal Government pushes for a resumption of oil activities, the reaction from the Ogoni people suggests that achieving consensus will require better planning, genuine dialogue, and transparent leadership.
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