An activist and Convener of the Ogoni Development Drive, ODD, Solomon Lenu, has raised concerns over what he described as the illegal resumption of oil exploration activities by the Federal Government in Ogoniland.
Lenu, who spoke to Today FM’s Preye Izogu, alleged that there are indications that Renaissance Oil Company, which acquired Shell’s onshore assets, alongside Sahara Energy, has commenced the laying of pipelines in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State as part of plans to resume oil production.
According to him, the companies have claimed that the proposed area for oil extraction falls within Oyigbo Local Government Area, which shares a disputed boundary with Tai.
The activist also accused political stakeholders in Ogoniland of failing to speak out against what he described as unjust activities allegedly being carried out by the Federal Government. He alleged that some political stakeholders had been compromised, making it difficult for them to challenge developments concerning oil exploration and extraction in the area.
CUE
Lenu called on the Federal Government to first implement the recommendations contained in the proposal of the Dialogue Committee headed by Professor Don Baridam before proceeding with any plans to resume oil production in Ogoniland.
The ODD Convener further urged the Federal Government to engage directly with the Ogoni people and ensure that discussions surrounding any resumption of oil production are transparent, sincere and based on mutual understanding.
He stressed that meaningful dialogue with the Ogoni people must precede any decision to restart oil exploration and production activities in the area.
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