Oil Resumption: Ogoni Group Warns Against Threats to Peace Dialogue

The Babbe Advancement Forum (BAF) in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State has warned against any action capable of undermining the ongoing peace dialogue in Ogoniland ahead of the Federal Government’s proposed resumption of oil exploration in the area.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the direction of the Ogoni Dialogue process and the planned return of oil activities in the region.

The community group also expressed support for members of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, particularly Rev. Msgr. Pius Kii and KAGOTE Second Vice President, Rear Admiral John Nicholas Bakpo (retd.), commending them for what it described as their courage, integrity and commitment to justice, transparency and the collective interest of the Ogoni people.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday and jointly signed by the Convener of BAF, Elder Emmanuel Aanee, and the Co-Convener, Mr Benedict Kinakah, the group said it would not tolerate threats against prominent Ogoni indigenes who raise legitimate concerns about the dialogue process.

“We will not sit back and watch our sons become victims simply because they have spoken against injustice, demanded transparency or asked questions about decisions being taken in the name of the Ogoni people,” the forum said.

BAF said it aligned itself with the positions expressed by KAGOTE President, Chief Lesi Maol, Rev. Msgr. Pius Kii and Rear Admiral Bakpo, particularly their calls for greater transparency, accountability, wider consultation and proper sequencing of negotiations concerning the resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland.

The forum also called for clarification over the alleged involvement of individuals who were reportedly not members of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee in a harmonisation arrangement said to be linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

It further demanded full disclosure on confidence-building measures reportedly implemented in Ogoniland, including employment opportunities said to have been provided to Ogoni youths through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The group requested that the criteria used to select beneficiaries and distribute the opportunities among the four Ogoni local government areas be made public.

BAF also called for transparency in the distribution of development projects across Ogoniland, insisting that communities should be able to understand the basis for selecting particular projects and their locations.

The forum maintained that openness and accountability were essential to sustaining trust among stakeholders and preventing actions that could derail the peace process.

It urged all parties involved in the Ogoni dialogue to prioritise justice, consultation and the collective interests of the people as discussions over the proposed oil resumption continue.