Insecurity, not oil resumption, major concern in Ogoni, OLI

Insecurity, not the resumption of oil exploration, remains the paramount concern for the people of Ogoniland, according to the Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI).

Dr. Fabeke Douglas, leader of OLI, expressed deep concern that while some Ogoni leaders are preoccupied with oil exploration, pressing security challenges continue to endanger lives and livelihoods in the region. Douglas alleged that efforts to highlight the insecurity situation have been met with hostility, and criminal elements are exploiting the prevailing conditions to the detriment of the populace.

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It is deeply saddening that at a time when our people are facing serious security challenges, some are preoccupied with the pursuit of oil resumption, an issue that is not the most pressing concern of the Ogoni struggle at this moment.

Douglas accused local government authorities of failing to adequately protect lives and property, stating that communities are under attack by criminals. He specifically pointed to the Ban-Ogoi Special Unit in Tai Local Government Area, where external actors have allegedly infiltrated and restricted residents' access to their farmlands. "It is deeply saddening that at a time when our people are facing serious security challenges, some are preoccupied with the pursuit of oil resumption, an issue that is not the most pressing concern of the Ogoni struggle at this moment," he said.

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I have raised this concern repeatedly, but unfortunately, I have been met with insults and attacks by individuals sponsored to silence the truth. What is more troubling is the silence of leadership in some quarters.

He further lamented that his repeated concerns have been met with "insults and attacks by individuals sponsored to silence the truth," and criticized the "silence of leadership in some quarters." Douglas urged the chairmen of Tai and Eleme Local Government Areas to take decisive action, warning that inaction could exacerbate insecurity. He called for Ogoni stakeholders to unite, establish facts, and issue a joint statement on the security situation, believing that a unified voice would overcome opposition.

Douglas expressed confidence in the President of KAGOTE, Chief Lesi Maol, following a successful engagement on security challenges, and hopes it will lead to concrete action. He emphasized that unity among stakeholders is crucial to tackle insecurity and promote development in Ogoniland.

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I therefore call on all Ogoni stakeholders to come together, establish the facts, and issue a united statement on the security situation in our communities. If we speak with one voice, we will defeat those working against us.