The President of KAGOTE, Chief Lesi Maol, has called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to urgently intervene in concerns surrounding the ongoing dialogue on the proposed resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
Maol made the call on Tuesday during a press conference, while expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to resolve longstanding issues between the Federal Government and the Ogoni people.
He commended the establishment of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) in January 2025 and the appointment of the NSA as government’s chief negotiator, describing the initiative as an opportunity for peace, reconciliation, transparency and development.
However, he said some developments could undermine confidence in the process, including uncertainty over alleged oil-related activities in parts of Ogoniland while consultations are ongoing.
Maol also raised concerns over the transparency of employment opportunities reportedly provided to Ogoni youths through the NNPC and contracts said to have been awarded as confidence-building measures.
He called for disclosure of the criteria, beneficiaries, contract values and contractors involved.
The KAGOTE president further expressed concern over reported killings and violence in some Ogoni communities, stressing that security must remain central to discussions on oil resumption.
He also alleged that non-members of the ODC were included in a harmonisation list purportedly on the directive of the NSA.
“I do not believe that the NSA would take such decision knowing well that such decision would interfere with the independence of the ODC and transparency of the process,” Maol said.
He, however, said KAGOTE had no basis to conclude that the NSA authorised the alleged action and urged his office to investigate and clarify the matter.
Maol also called for improved information-sharing among ODC members and greater access to reports and feedback concerning the dialogue.
He condemned personal attacks against members who raise concerns about transparency, insisting that accountability should not be interpreted as opposition to government.
“Seeking transparency and accountability within the dialogue process should not be characterized as opposition to government,” he said.
Maol urged the NSA to strengthen transparency within the ODC and ensure that no individual undermines the Federal Government’s initiative or creates divisions among the Ogoni people.
He stressed that KAGOTE was not opposed to responsible oil production in Ogoniland, but maintained that the process must be transparent, inclusive and credible.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and a resolution that protects Ogoni interests while advancing Nigeria’s economic and developmental objectives.
