Joseph Bakare
The Federal Government has been asked to adopt an all-inclusive, peaceful and people-centred approach to ensure seamless access towards the planned resumption of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland.
The advice was given by an energy expert Dr Joseph Obele, who is also an indigene of Eleme in Ogoni.
Dr Obele said the successful resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni requires genuine consultation, inclusiveness and adequate attention to the legitimate concerns and demands of the people.
He stressed that the process should be built on dialogue, trust, transparency and logical strategies, rather than approaches that could create further tension or undermine the confidence of host communities.
«“All-inclusiveness and attention to the demands of the people are key to the successful resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni. Selective political interference, logical strategies or military might should not be the option.”»
Dr Obele, who is also the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) maintained that the people of Ogoni should be treated as critical stakeholders in decisions concerning oil exploration, environmental restoration, community development and the economic benefits arising from petroleum activities in the area.
He called on the Federal Government, Rivers State Government, traditional institutions, host communities, regulatory agencies, prospective operators, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders to prioritise meaningful engagement and the peaceful resolution of outstanding concerns.
He further emphasised that any renewed exploration programme should provide a clear framework for environmental protection, remediation, host-community development, employment, economic participation and sustainable benefits to the people of Ogoni.
According to him, the resumption of oil exploration should be approached as an opportunity to build a new relationship between the government, operators and host communities based on mutual respect, transparency, environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
Dr Obele therefore urged the Federal Government to tread with care, listen to the people and ensure broad stakeholder participation before and during the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.