President Tinubu Meets Behind Closed Doors with Wike, Fubara, Ogoni Leaders

By: Bayero Ade

President Bola Tinubu is currently engaged in a private discussion with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and a delegation representing Ogoniland, which includes leaders from four local government areas in the state.

According to Politics Nigeria, the meeting, taking place at the State House Council Chamber, began with the arrival of Fubara and the Ogoni leaders, followed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, whose vehicle was observed at the Villa around 2:45 p.m.

Fubara’s delegation includes several prominent figures, such as Senators Lee Maeba, Magnus Abe, Olaka Nwogu, Victor Giadom, Kenneth Kobani, Monsignor Pius Kii, Leedom Mitee, Senators Bennett Birabi, Barry Mpigi, and Prof. B. Fakae. Other attendees include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas, and Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL).

While the specific topics of discussion have not been disclosed, there are indications that the talks may center around the ongoing Ogoni environmental cleanup and the possible restart of oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The federal government has previously expressed concerns over the extended suspension of oil exploration in the region, with Niger Delta Development Commission Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku highlighting the economic toll caused by the halt. Ogbuku pointed out that this has contributed to the country’s energy crisis, depriving the economy of significant revenue for years.

Simultaneously, a coalition of civil society organizations has called on the government to allocate $1 trillion for environmental remediation and compensation for local communities before oil production resumes in Ogoniland. The group, which includes Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, criticized the government’s plan to restart oil activities without addressing environmental justice.

The coalition referred to a 2011 UNEP report that documented extensive environmental destruction in Ogoniland caused by oil spills, including contamination of land, water, and air.

Further details will be provided as the situation unfolds.