Ogoni leaders petition Tinubu, accuse Wike of undermining peace talks

Leaders from Ogoniland have petitioned President Bola Tinubu, accusing the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of undermining the federal government’s ongoing dialogue aimed at resolving the long-running Ogoni crisis.

The petition, dated January 25, was issued under the banner of the Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP), a group formerly known as Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates. It called on the president to intervene and protect the peace process being led by the national security adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

COOP described the current engagement as the most comprehensive effort in more than three decades to address environmental degradation, economic exclusion, and the halt of oil production in Ogoniland since 1993. According to the group, the dialogue is structured to achieve environmental remediation, economic reintegration, lasting stability, and the safe resumption of oil activities in Oil Mining Lease (OML) II.

The group said a successful outcome could strengthen national revenue, improve foreign exchange inflows, enhance energy security, and create employment opportunities.

However, the petition alleged that Wike has taken deliberate steps to frustrate the talks, with the roots of the dispute traced to his tenure as governor of Rivers state.

COOP linked the tension to a long-standing compensation case involving the Ejama Ebubu community and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) over environmental damage. The community had secured a favourable court judgment after years of litigation.

According to the Ogoni leaders, the Rivers state government became involved in the matter during Wike’s administration, reportedly acquiring a 45 percent stake in OML II amid delays in compensation payments. They said this period was marked by protests at SPDC facilities, pressure on SPDC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and a settlement reportedly valued at about $300 million. The group noted that the use of the settlement funds remains a subject of public dispute.

COOP alleged that Wike now views the NSA-led dialogue, and the cooperation between Ribadu and Rivers state governor Siminalayi Fubara, as a threat to his interests in the oil block.

The petition also cited incidents during Ribadu’s recent visit to Ogoniland, alleging that political allies of the FCT minister boycotted the engagement, weakening community-level participation.

The group urged President Tinubu to caution Wike against further involvement, direct security agencies to investigate the allegations, and ensure that the peace process continues without disruption.

“Ogoni people are tired of conflict, manipulation, and being used as pawns in political and economic struggles,” the statement said.

It added that the current dialogue has raised expectations that long-standing demands for justice, peace, and development in Ogoniland may finally be addressed.