Key stakeholders from Ogoniland in Rivers State have welcomed the recent nominations of two prominent sons to the boards of Nigeria's crucial petroleum regulatory bodies. However, they have issued a strong caveat, stating that these appointments should not be misconstrued as a green light for the resumption of oil exploration in the environmentally devastated region.
Appointments Based on Merit, Not Oil Wells
The nominations, made by President Bola Tinubu, see former Senator Magnus Abe appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). In a parallel move, former Minister of Trade and Investment, Kenneth Kobani, was nominated as a non-executive member of the Board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Renowned Ogoni environmental activist, Celestine Akpobari, clarified the community's stance. He affirmed that while the nominations were well-deserved recognitions of the individuals' capabilities, they are entirely separate from the unresolved issues plaguing Ogoniland.
"Abe and Kobani, as Nigerian citizens and indigenes of Ogoniland, are entitled to appointments based on merit," Akpobari stated. He, however, stressed a critical point: such appointments have no direct bearing on the long-standing environmental degradation and socio-economic demands of the Ogoni people.
Unchanged Demands: Cleanup and Justice Remain Paramount
Echoing this sentiment, Sir Joe Korka-Waadah, a kinsman of the executed environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Executive Director of Compassionate Heart Foundation Canada, reiterated the community's core demands. He emphasized that the fundamental issues remain unresolved.
The Ogoni demands, as reiterated by Korka-Waadah, are clear and consistent:
- The exoneration of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and other activists.
- A comprehensive environmental cleanup of the polluted land and waterways.
- The full implementation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
This position comes against the backdrop of a recent high-profile visit to Ogoniland by a Federal Government delegation. The team, led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and including heads of security agencies, praised the community for its peaceful disposition and commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for fostering peace.
However, this visit inadvertently fueled speculation about a potential restart of oil activities. Stakeholders have been quick to douse such speculation, insisting that any discussion on resuming oil exploration must be preceded by the fulfillment of their long-standing demands, starting with a thorough environmental remediation.
Wike Commends Tinubu's "Man of His Word" Gesture
In a related development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike "We want to thank Mr President. We have never had it so good since the creation of this state," Wike told supporters. "What this shows is that Mr President is a man who keeps his word and honours agreements he has entered into. Agreements do not necessarily have to be written." Wike further urged the people of Rivers State to continue supporting President Tinubu, particularly looking ahead to the 2027 general elections. His call was reinforced by the Chairman of Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieoboka, who pledged to mobilize support for Tinubu's re-election bid. The nominations are now before the Senate for confirmation, following a formal request from President Tinubu, as communicated by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
