…Obele calls for caution, inclusiveness
By Emmanuel Obe
Tension is mounting in Ogoniland, Rivers State, over the planned resumption of oil production, with groups and youths demanding firm commitments from the Federal Government on issues they consider critical to the interest of the Ogoni people.
For two consecutive days, protests were held in Bori and other parts of Ogoniland, with youths demanding, among other things, the creation of a state for the Ogoni people and greater opportunities for Ogoni indigenes in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The protesters also raised questions about the activities of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, led by Professor Don Baridam, accusing the committee of failing to adequately explain its engagements with the Federal Government on the proposed resumption of oil exploration in the area.
The development has further fuelled concerns among stakeholders that the Federal Government could face resistance if outstanding demands and concerns of the people are not sufficiently addressed before oil production resumes.
Against the backdrop of the growing tension, an indigene of Eleme and National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Dr Joseph Obele, has called on the Federal Government to adopt an inclusive, peaceful and people-centred approach to the proposed resumption.
Obele, an energy expert and lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, said genuine consultation, transparency and attention to the legitimate concerns of the people would be critical to the success of any renewed oil exploration programme in Ogoniland.
He cautioned against measures that could further heighten tension or erode the confidence of host communities.
“All-inclusiveness and attention to the demands of the people are key to the successful resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni. Selective political interference, logical strategies or military might should not be the option,” he said.
According to him, the people of Ogoni should be regarded as critical stakeholders in decisions relating to oil exploration, environmental restoration, community development and the economic benefits arising from petroleum activities in the area.
He called on the Federal Government, Rivers State Government, traditional institutions, host communities, regulatory agencies, prospective operators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to prioritise meaningful engagement and peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.
Obele also said any renewed exploration programme should have a clear framework covering environmental protection and remediation, host-community development, employment, economic participation and sustainable benefits for the people.
He described the proposed resumption as an opportunity to establish a new relationship among government, oil operators and host communities, based on mutual respect, transparency, environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
The PETROAN PRO therefore urged the Federal Government to “tread with care”, listen to the people and ensure broad stakeholder participation before and during the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
The renewed debate over oil exploration comes against the background of the long-running environmental concerns and demands by Ogoni stakeholders over the management of the area’s oil resources and the restoration of its heavily impacted environment.
