A planned meeting in Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni land, aimed at discussing the resumption of oil exploration, ended in chaos on Saturday. The gathering, held at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was cut short after tensions flared among attendees, highlighting deep divisions over the controversial issue.
Massive Turnout Overwhelms Venue
The meeting followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to Ogoni leaders to consult their people and report back on the proposed resumption of oil exploration. Thousands of Ogoni residents from Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme local government areas arrived at the venue, far exceeding expectations. By 1 p.m., the hall was packed beyond capacity, forcing organizers to move the event to an open field.
Political leaders, including Senator Barry Mpigo, APC Deputy National Chairman Chief Victor Giadom, and former Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) President Ledum Mitee, were present. However, as the crowd continued to grow, maintaining order became increasingly difficult.
Poor Organization Sparks Anger
Despite the high-profile attendance, the meeting quickly descended into disarray due to inadequate planning. The Co-Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, Ignatius Kattey, and Ledum Mitee briefly addressed the crowd, outlining the purpose of the meeting. However, the session was cut short as frustration grew over the event’s poor organization and lack of inclusivity.
The situation worsened when the VIPs abruptly left in their vehicles, triggering outrage among the youth. Many attendees felt sidelined, arguing that a single meeting could not adequately address the concerns of the entire Ogoni community.
Protests Erupt as Youths Demand Transparency
Shortly after the dignitaries departed, anger boiled over as some youths brandished placards demanding transparency in the discussions. Many expressed concerns that decisions about their land were being made without proper consultation. Emma, a youth from Khana, criticized the approach, stating that leaders should have first engaged with individual local government areas before convening a large congress.
“How can they expect meaningful dialogue in such a cramped setting? The best approach would have been to start discussions at the community level before organizing a general meeting,” he argued.
Future of Oil Exploration Talks Uncertain
The abrupt end to the meeting raises questions about the future of oil exploration discussions in Ogoni land. With tensions running high and distrust lingering, stakeholders will need to find a more inclusive approach to engage with the community. Whether the government and oil companies can secure the support of Ogoni people remains uncertain, as calls for transparency and fair representation grow louder.
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