The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday commended the administration of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing the state as one of the most peaceful in the country and a critical pillar in the renewed push to resume oil operations in Ogoniland.
Ribadu spoke during a visit to Rivers State where he led a high-powered Federal Government delegation as part of ongoing peace and stakeholder engagement efforts ahead of the recommencement of oil production in the oil-rich Ogoni axis.
The delegation included the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; as well as top security chiefs.
According to Ribadu, the visit was undertaken on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to acknowledge the cooperation of the Rivers State Government and Ogoni stakeholders in addressing long-standing security, environmental and social challenges in the area.
“We are here as envoys of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are here on a mission to thank you for the cooperation,” Ribadu said.
He noted that the collaborative approach adopted by the federal and state governments had yielded visible results, particularly in fostering peace across Rivers State and rebuilding trust in Ogoniland.
“Rivers State is probably one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today. Things have changed, and Your Excellency is entitled to claim that, because you are responsible and you are part of it,” he stated.
Ribadu praised the people and leaders of Ogoniland, describing them as partners in progress whose cooperation had created a new window of opportunity for Nigeria.
“The problem lasted for two or three decades. Somehow now, it is turning into a massive opportunity for Nigeria. Ogoni is looking like a turning point for the country. A new chapter is being opened,” he said.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu had expressed satisfaction with Governor Fubara’s role in sustaining peace and providing an enabling environment for dialogue and development.
“I have delivered the message of the President. He is very happy with you. He also asked me to thank the people of Ogoniland for their cooperation, understanding and willingness to give him a chance to achieve something remarkable,” Ribadu added.
The renewed engagement follows President Tinubu’s decision on September 24 to posthumously confer national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger on Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage and Samuel Orage, collectively known as the Ogoni Four.
The four men were killed in 1994, an incident that later formed the basis for the trial of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others, famously known as the Ogoni Nine, who were executed by the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha in 1995.
A day after conferring the honours, President Tinubu directed Ribadu to commence structured engagements with Ogoni communities, the NNPC and other relevant stakeholders to conclude processes for the safe and sustainable resumption of oil production in the region.
The Federal Government expressed optimism that the renewed peace initiative, if sustained, could unlock economic opportunities, address historical grievances and mark a significant step toward reconciliation and development in Ogoniland.