By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Bola Tinubu is currently hosting a closed-door meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and leaders from Ogoniland’s four Local Government Areas at the Council Chamber of the State House.
Observers noted the arrival of the delegation led by Fubara, which includes notable figures such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Barry Mpigi, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Ledum Mitee, and Prof. B. Fakae.
Around 2:45 pm, the official vehicle of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was seen arriving at the venue.
Key federal officials at the meeting include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff 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.
Although the meeting’s agenda has not been officially disclosed, it is widely speculated to focus on the Ogoni clean-up project and discussions about resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
The Federal Government has raised concerns over the prolonged suspension of oil activities in the region, emphasizing its impact on the nation’s economy.
The Niger Delta Development Commission’s Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, previously expressed concern over the conflicts that halted oil exploration in Ogoniland, which have led to significant losses in national revenue amidst growing energy challenges.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organizations has demanded $1 trillion for the Niger Delta’s environmental clean-up and compensation for livelihood losses before crude oil production resumes.
In a joint statement, groups including Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation criticized the government’s plan to restart oil production, describing it as neglecting environmental justice.
The coalition also referenced a 2011 UNEP report that documented widespread environmental damage in Ogoniland caused by oil exploration, citing severe pollution of land, water, and air.Further updates on the meeting are expected.