Resumption Of Oil Production In Ogoniland: To Be Or Not To Be

The recent meeting between Ogoni elite and different segments of Ogoni society with President Bola Tinubu over the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland is still eliciting mixed reactions.
As can be gleaned from the divergent viewpoints, this has always been a thorny issue whenever explored. The Ogoni people albeit the international community is still aghast and appalled by the way the Federal military government set up a kangaroo panel which indicted the late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and hanged him for crimes he insisted he knew nothing about.
Things went so awry and gory that whole communities were chased and hunted by the military. It is little wonder that three decades after these turn of events which climaxed into the military junta doing the bidding of SHELL at the expense of the Ogonis, the locals are somewhat apprehensive of oil production in Ogoniland.
However, there is a growing army of Ogonis who feel that they have ventilated their grievances for quite some time and need to make a volte-face with a view to allowing exploration of oil once again on Ogoni soil.
Having been involved in the struggle to an extent, President Bola Tinubu is not an entire stranger to the Ogoni struggle. It is on record that he flung the tennis ball back in the court of the Ogoni by telling those that met him in Aso Rock to return to Ogoniland and consult widely with the people.
It is also heartwarming that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is from the same senatorial district promised to do his best to make the entire project work out. However, it must be noted that the ordinary Ogoni man and woman on the street are the major stakeholders having suffered one injury or the other.
In order to avoid a backlash or violent ripple effects, there needs to be wide consultation amongst the Ogonis to ensure that a preponderant majority of Ogonis have acquiesced to the resumption of oil exploration. To be or not to be, that is the question.
Another bone of contention is the leadership of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP. Different persons are laying claim to heading this vital organization which is likely to play a prominent role in the forthcoming negotiations.
Regardless of their differences, these leaders must make sacrifices and forge a common front to further the interest of the Ogonis.
Another major issue that needs to be taken into account is that of the oil bearing communities in Ogoniland. If anyone deserves to benefit from the olive branch of Mr. President, these oil bearing communities must be included and given their proper position in the scheme of things. Prominent personalities from non-oil bearing communities should not relegate these oil bearing communities to the fringes of the consultations.
Without a doubt, the Ogonis collectively have been at the receiving end of the big stick of government but at this crucial point of history, all hands need to be on deck to turn the tide in the favour of the Ogonis.
It must be borne in mind that to arrive at a palatable and acceptable juncture, Ogonis from different strata have to make adjustments and sacrifices in order to make this initiative work. It is expected that with the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, there are bound to be various multiplier effects that will percolate down to the ordinary Ogoni man or woman on the street.
Perhaps, another thorny issue will be that of the various interests and groups who have not embraced genuine reconciliation to take it hook, line and sinker such that everyone will move in unison.
The name, Ken Saro-Wiwa can be taken as a metaphor for the Ogoni struggle. We would want to believe that Ken Saro-Wiwa stood and agitated for the ordinary Ogoni man and woman. Any negotiation or consultation that does not prioritise the ordinary Ogoni man and woman may be doomed. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu who has been mandated to co-ordinate the consultations should note that any elitist agenda or arrangement that favours the elite may be resisted thoroughly.
Alternatively, the naysayers and unrepentant opposition figures in Ogoni land should give peace, reconciliation and innovation a chance to thrive such that the average Ogoni man and woman on the street can see improvement in their economic fortunes.