Ogoni leaders petition Tinubu, accuse Wike of sabotaging peace talks

Ogoni leaders have petitioned President Bola Tinubu, accusing Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), of deliberately sabotaging the ongoing federal dialogue to resolve the decades-long crisis in Ogoniland.

The petition, dated January 25 and issued under the banner of the Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP), formerly known as Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, urged the president to rein in Wike and safeguard the peace process facilitated by Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).

COOP, a group of concerned Ogoni stakeholders focused on justice, peace, and stability, described the current talks as the most sincere, inclusive, and structured effort in over 30 years to address environmental devastation, economic marginalisation, and the shutdown of oil operations since 1993.

The group expressed “strong backing” for the dialogue, which aims to deliver lasting peace, environmental remediation, economic reintegration, and the safe resumption of oil production in OML II—potentially boosting national revenue, forex earnings, energy security, and jobs.

However, COOP alleged that Wike has engaged in “calculated moves” to frustrate the process, tracing the issue to his time as governor of Rivers state.

The group said the controversy centres on a long-running compensation dispute involving the Ejama Ebubu community and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) over environmental damage claims, which the community litigated and won.

The Ogoni leaders said during Wike’s tenure, the Rivers state government became involved, reportedly acquiring a 45 percent interest in OML II amid delays in compensation payments.

This, they said, led to picketing of SPDC facilities, pressure on SPDC and NNPCL, and an eventual settlement reportedly worth around $300 million—whose utilisation remains contentious and unresolved in public opinion.

COOP claimed Wike now perceives the NSA-led dialogue and cooperation of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, with Ribadu, as threats to his asserted interests in the oil block.

The group said recent incidents during Ribadu’s visit to Ogoniland, where Wike’s political associates allegedly boycotted, undermined the engagement at the community level.

The group appealed to Tinubu to warn Wike against further interference, investigate the allegations through security agencies, and safeguard the process.

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

“For the first time in many years, there is genuine hope that justice, peace, and development may finally come to our land.” (The Cable)