Tension gripped Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni land, on Saturday as a planned congress on the resumption of oil exploration in the region ended abruptly due to poor organization and rising tensions among attendees.
According to reports, President Bola Tinubu had, during a meeting with Ogoni leaders in Abuja over two weeks ago, urged them to consult their people on the proposed oil exploration and provide feedback.
In response, a congress was scheduled at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, to gather input from Ogoni residents across Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme LGAs.
By 1 PM, the venue was overcrowded, forcing organizers to move the meeting to an open field. Among the dignitaries present were Senator Barry Mpigo (Rivers South-East), APC Deputy National Chairman Chief Victor Giadom, former MOSOP President Ledum Mitee, and Ogoni Dialogue Committee Co-Chairman Ignatius Kattey.
The meeting, which began around 2 PM, lasted less than an hour. Leaders, including Mitee and Kattey, briefly addressed the gathering before Senator Mpigo called for unity and peace among the Ogoni people. However, shortly afterward, VIPs exited the venue, leaving many attendees frustrated.
Angry youths, feeling excluded from the process, began protesting with placards demanding transparency in the consultation. A youth leader from Khana LGA, identified as Emma, criticized the approach, saying:
“How can they invite people from four LGAs to a small venue and expect meaningful discussions? They should have started at the kingdom or LGA level before holding a larger congress.”
The abrupt and disorganized conclusion of the meeting has raised concerns over whether proper consultations will be conducted before any final decision on oil exploration in Ogoni land.
