No One Dreamt I Would Be President: Tinubu Pledges Commitment to Ogoni Peace, Justice, and Development
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured leaders from the Ogoni community on Tuesday in Abuja that his administration is committed to prioritizing peace, justice, and sustainable development in their region.
During a meeting at the State House, President Tinubu urged the Ogoni people to come together, set aside past grievances, and work towards a common goal of peace, development, and environmental restoration.
“We cannot change the past, but we have the opportunity to rectify past wrongs as we move forward. We cannot heal if we hold on to anger,” he stated.
The President directed National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to oversee negotiations and emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue and mutual understanding.
He praised the Ogoni delegation for participating in the government-led talks, underscoring the importance of trust, collaboration, and inclusiveness to resolve ongoing issues in the region.
“We must unite with trust. Return to your communities, engage in further consultations, and welcome others. Together, we will bring peace, development, and a restored environment to Ogoniland,” the President added.
He called on ministers, the NNPCL, and the Rivers State Government to collaborate with the National Security Adviser’s office to ensure the success of these efforts.
“It is a great privilege to have this conversation with the people of Ogoniland,” President Tinubu said. “Many years ago, we stood together in opposition to military rule. No one could have predicted that I would be here as President, but we thank God for this opportunity.”
He acknowledged the many friends and allies from Ogoniland who stood by him in the past, both in Nigeria and abroad, and vowed to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for justice.
Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support of the Ogoni people, noting that the meeting was part of an ongoing effort the President had assigned to him through the National Security Adviser.
He emphasized the importance of resuming oil operations in Ogoniland and committed to fully supporting the President’s directives to make this a reality.
“This meeting reaffirms our respect for the President and our dedication to continue the consultations, aiming for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland,” the governor stated.
National Security Adviser Mallam Ribadu praised the Ogoni community for their trust in President Tinubu and for choosing dialogue as a pathway to meaningful progress.
“Following the President’s directive to ensure that all voices are heard and all interests considered, my office, the DSS, the Rivers State government, and the FCT Ministry undertook a thorough consultation process to bring together this diverse delegation,” Ribadu said.
He highlighted that the over 50-member delegation, which represented various segments of Ogoni society, demonstrated the community’s readiness to engage constructively for peace, justice, and sustainable development.
King Festus Babari Bagia Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, echoed the community’s willingness to collaborate on finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing Ogoniland.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 21, 2025
