•Directs NSA Ribadu to coordinate inclusive negotiations with them
•Says his govt’ll prioritise peace, justice, sustainable devt in the land
Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, appealed to leaders of Ogoniland in Rivers State, to put the past behind them, because it would be hard to heal the wounds of the past if they continued to be angry.
The President, who assured the Ogoni leaders that his administration would prioritise peace, justice, and sustainable development of the area, however, directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu to coordinate inclusive negotiations with the Ogoni leaders.
Speaking at a meeting at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu called for unity and reconciliation, and urged the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment.
“We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” the president explained.
In a release by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate the negotiations and called for inclusive consultation and mutual understanding.
Addressing the close-door meeting attended by Governor Fubara of Rivers State and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Tinubu commended the delegation for embracing the federal government-led dialogue and emphasised the need for collaboration, trust, and inclusiveness to resolve lingering issues in the region.
“We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland,” Tinubu said.
He asked ministers, the NNPCL, and the Rivers State Government to cooperate with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to achieve this mandate.
“It is a great honour for me to have this meeting, which is an opportunity to dialogue with the people of Ogoniland.
“It has been many years since your children and myself partnered to resist military dictatorship in this country. No one dreamt I would be in this chair as president, but we thank God.
“Many of your sons present here were my friends and co-travellers in the streets of Nigeria, Europe, and America. I know what to do in memory of our beloved ones so that their sacrifices will not be in vain,” the president said.
Earlier, Fubara thanked the president for his support of the Ogoni people and for welcoming an all-inclusive representation of the people to the Presidential Villa.
He said the meeting was a follow-up to an assignment the president gave him through the National Security Adviser.
Emphasising the importance of resuming oil operations in Ogoniland, the governor pledged the delegation’s commitment to adhering to the president’s instructions and providing the necessary support to achieve the government’s objectives.
