Help, Wike Truncating Peace Talks, Ogoni Leaders Cry to Tinubu
Help, Wike Truncating Peace Talks, Ogoni Leaders Cry to Tinubu
Leaders from the Ogoni region have sent a formal petition to President Bola Tinubu, alleging that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is intentionally undermining federal efforts to end the long-standing conflict in Ogoniland.
The formal complaint, submitted on January 25 by the Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP)—previously known as Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates—called on the President to restrain Wike and protect the mediation process currently led by Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA).
COOP, representing various Ogoni stakeholders dedicated to peace and justice, characterized the ongoing negotiations as the most honest and well-organized attempt in three decades to tackle issues of environmental ruin, economic neglect, and the cessation of oil activities that began in 1993.
The organization voiced its full support for the peace talks, noting that the initiative aims to achieve environmental restoration, economic inclusion, and the secure restart of oil extraction in OML 11, which would enhance national income, foreign exchange, and energy stability.
Nevertheless, COOP claimed that Wike has made strategic attempts to derail these efforts, suggesting that his interference dates back to his period as the Governor of Rivers State.
The group noted that the tension involves a protracted legal battle over compensation between Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the Ejama Ebubu community regarding environmental damage, a case the community ultimately won.
According to the Ogoni leaders, the Rivers State government intervened during Wike’s administration, allegedly securing a 45 percent stake in OML 11 while compensation payments were stalled.
They asserted that this involvement resulted in the disruption of SPDC operations and pressure on national oil entities, leading to a settlement of approximately $300 million, the use of which remains a subject of public debate.
COOP argued that Wike views the NSA-led peace process and the partnership between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Ribadu as a challenge to his personal interests in the oil field.
The petitioners highlighted that during Ribadu’s recent trip to the region, political allies of Wike reportedly stayed away, an action the group believes was intended to weaken community participation.
The group urged President Tinubu to caution Wike against further meddling, call for a security investigation into these claims, and ensure the peace initiative remains protected.
“Ogoni people are tired of conflict, manipulation, and being used as pawns in political and economic struggles,” the statement reads.
“For the first time in many years, there is genuine hope that justice, peace, and development may finally come to our land.”
