Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Conscience of Ogoni People, COOP, has expressed support for the Federal Government’s ongoing consultations toward the resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland, describing opposition to the plan by some activists as misleading and counterproductive to the region’s long-term development.
In a statement issued in Bori, Ogoniland, and signed by its Leader and Spokesman, Chief Gani Topba, COOP said the era of agitation and stagnation in Ogoniland must give way to constructive engagement and progress.
The group insisted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met key historical demands of the Ogoni people and deserves the community’s support.
“Ogoni people have over the years made it clear that they are not opposed to the resumption of oil operations in the area,” Topba stated.
“What we demanded were justice, inclusion, and environmental protection, and this administration has taken tangible steps to address those legacy issues.”
COOP highlighted several actions taken by President Tinubu’s government to address Ogoni concerns, including the posthumous national honours conferred on the “Ogoni 13,” the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, and accelerated work on the East-West Road.
The group also commended the setting up of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, ODC, which it said successfully submitted its report to the President after extensive consultations across Ogoniland, and the directive to National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to begin direct engagement with Ogoni stakeholders on the modalities for oil resumption.
“Since the inception of the Ogoni struggle in 1990, our people have not had it this good under any government,” COOP said. “The Tinubu administration has shown the strongest political will yet to heal old wounds and restore hope to Ogoniland.”
COOP, however, took a swipe at some activists for what it described as “incitement against development,” urging them to desist from inciting the people against the Federal Government, warning that such actions threaten peace and progress in the region.
“There must be an end to agitation. Ogoniland has been left behind for decades, and this is the time to move forward. We will not allow merchants of conflict to derail our collective future.”
The group urged all Ogoni sons and daughters to remain united and cooperate with the NSA and other stakeholders during the forthcoming phase of dialogue on oil resumption, describing it as a new chapter for economic revitalization and inclusion.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys the goodwill and support of the Ogoni people,” the statement concluded. “With our historical neglect being addressed, Ogoni people will listen to the Federal Government’s request to re-enter our land for oil operations in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.”
