Our reporter/ President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday urged leaders of Ogoni land in Rivers state to “set aside historical grievances” and collaborate with the federal government to foster development in the oil-rich community.
Tinubu, who spoke in Abuja on during a meeting with leaders of Ogoni land at the presidential villa, acknowledged the historical challenges faced by the Ogoni people and noted the need for reconciliation and progress.
The meeting addressed developments regarding the Ogoni oil spill and the federal government’s reported plans to resume oil exploration in Ogoni land.
“We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson.
“We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoni land.
“It is a great honour for me to have this meeting, which is an opportunity to dialogue with the people of Ogoni land.
“It has been many years since your children and I partnered to resist military dictatorship in this country. No one dreamt I would be in this chair as president, but we thank God.
“Many of your sons present here were my friends and co-travellers in the streets of Nigeria, Europe, and America.”
Speaking at the meeting, Fubara assured Tinubu that the delegation would adhere to his instructions and provide the necessary support to achieve the federal government’s objectives.
“What we are doing here today is to concretise the love and respect we have for the president for being behind this meeting and for him to tell us to go back and continue the consultations with a timeline so that the resumption of oil production in Ogoni land will commence,” the Rivers governor said.
Tuesday’s delegation to the seat of power included Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State; Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT); and Magnus Abe, a former senator.
Other members were Lee Maeba, Olaka Nwogu, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Ledum Mitee, Bennett Birabi, Barry Mpigi, Joe Poroma, and Gabriel Piidomson.
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