In a bid to address critical issues affecting Rivers State and the oil-rich Ogoniland, The Punch Newspaper has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a high-profile closed-door meeting at the State House on Monday. The meeting brought together prominent political figures, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders from Ogoniland, alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
The delegation from Ogoniland, representing four Local Government Areas of Rivers State, included an impressive lineup of influential figures such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Leedom Mitee, Bennett Birabi, Barry Mpigi, and Professor B. Fakae. Their presence underscored the significance of the dialogue aimed at resolving long-standing challenges in the region.
Notable federal government officials also graced the meeting, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari.
Though the agenda was not officially disclosed, sources close to the presidency indicate that the discussions centered on the much-anticipated Ogoni clean-up project and the possible resumption of oil exploration in the region. The Ogoni clean-up, initiated years ago under the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), has faced delays, sparking frustration among the Ogoni people, who continue to endure environmental degradation and economic setbacks caused by oil spills.
The Federal Government has repeatedly expressed concerns about the prolonged suspension of oil exploration activities in Rivers State. These concerns were echoed by Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who previously highlighted the damaging impact of unresolved conflicts on oil exploration and exploitation in Ogoniland.
The arrival of FCT Minister and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike at the Villa at approximately 2:45 pm fueled speculation about his role in brokering agreements between the Federal Government and Rivers State stakeholders. Wike, known for his deep ties to the state and his knack for navigating contentious issues, is believed to be pivotal in facilitating a resolution that balances federal interests with those of the Ogoni people.
This meeting comes at a critical time, as tensions simmer over environmental neglect and resource control in the Niger Delta region. The Ogoni people have long demanded accountability for environmental damage caused by decades of oil exploitation and a fair share of the wealth generated from their land.
The outcome of this closed-door session could mark a turning point in the Federal Government’s relationship with Ogoniland, paving the way for accelerated development, environmental restoration, and renewed economic activities.
As the nation awaits official statements from the presidency, the stakes remain high for all parties involved. This dialogue signals President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, addressing regional grievances, and strengthening Nigeria’s economic stability.
PIONEER NEWS 