Tinubu Faces Hurdles in Resuming Oil production in Ogoni

President Bola Tinubu’s plan to resume oil production in Ogoni, Rivers State, has encountered significant hurdles.

Dr. John Idamkue, a close aide to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, has outlined four conditions for the peaceful resumption of oil production. These conditions include authentic representation of the Ogoni people, civilian-led engagement, redressing past wrongs, and establishing a mitigation fund to compensate victims of state repression.

Idamkue’s demands are rooted in the Ogoni people’s historical struggles against environmental degradation and human rights abuses.

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People has also expressed concerns over the exclusion of key stakeholders from the process and the potential for renewed conflict.

In response to these concerns, President Tinubu has emphasized the need for inclusive consultation and mutual understanding. He met with Ogoni leaders, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and mandated the National Security Adviser to coordinate negotiations.

The President commended the delegation for embracing dialogue and stressed the importance of collaboration, trust, and inclusiveness in resolving lingering issues in the region.

The Ogoni people’s struggles date back to the 1990s when the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others by the military government sparked international outrage. Since then, the region has been plagued by environmental degradation, poverty, and human rights abuses.

Any attempt to resume oil production must address these historical injustices and ensure the Ogoni people benefit from the region’s natural resources.