What Tinubu Told Fubara, Wike, Ogoni Leaders at Villa Meeting

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland as discussions continue over the planned resumption of oil extraction in the region.

At a meeting held at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu urged Ogoni leaders to move beyond historical grievances and work collectively towards peace and environmental restoration. He emphasized that while history cannot be rewritten, efforts must be made to correct past injustices.

“We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry,” Tinubu stated, directing National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to lead negotiations and ensure inclusive consultations with all stakeholders. He called on Ogoni leaders to foster trust and cooperation, stressing that a united approach was crucial to resolving longstanding challenges in the region.

The president also tasked relevant ministers, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and the Rivers State Government with supporting the Office of the National Security Adviser in achieving this mandate. Reflecting on his longstanding ties with the Ogoni people, Tinubu recalled his days of activism against military dictatorship and vowed to honor the sacrifices made by many for democracy and justice.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who attended the meeting alongside Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and other key stakeholders, expressed gratitude to the president for his inclusive approach. Fubara confirmed that the meeting was a follow-up to an earlier directive from the president, emphasizing that the delegation was fully committed to executing the government’s plan for oil resumption in Ogoniland.

“We will go back and continue the consultations with a timeline so that the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland will commence,” Fubara assured.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu praised the Ogoni people for their trust in the president’s leadership and their willingness to embrace dialogue. He highlighted that the over 50-member delegation at the meeting represented the diverse interests of Ogoni society, signaling a collective readiness to pursue lasting peace and sustainable progress.

Festus Gberesaako XIII, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, also voiced the community’s commitment to finding enduring solutions to the challenges in Ogoniland.