Ogoni leaders have petitioned President Bola Tinubu, accusing Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), of deliberately undermining federal-led dialogue aimed at resolving the decades-long crisis in Ogoniland.
Gatekeepers News reports that 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 National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
COOP, a coalition of Ogoni stakeholders advocating justice, peace, and stability, described the ongoing talks as the most sincere, inclusive, and structured effort in over 30 years to address environmental devastation, economic marginalization, and the shutdown of oil operations since 1993.
The group expressed “strong backing” for the dialogue, which seeks to achieve lasting peace, environmental remediation, economic reintegration, and the safe resumption of oil production in OML II—an initiative expected to boost national revenue, foreign exchange earnings, energy security, and employment.
Allegations Against Wike
COOP alleged that Wike has engaged in “calculated moves” to frustrate the process, tracing the issue to his tenure as governor of Rivers State. Central to the dispute is a long-standing compensation disagreement involving the Ejama Ebubu community and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) over environmental damage claims, which the community successfully litigated.
According to COOP, during Wike’s governorship, the Rivers State government reportedly acquired a 45% stake in OML II amid delays in compensation payments. This led to picketing of SPDC facilities, pressure on SPDC and NNPCL, and an eventual settlement reportedly worth around $300 million—whose utilisation remains contentious.
The Ogoni leaders claimed Wike now views the NSA-led dialogue and the cooperation of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara with Ribadu as threats to his perceived interests in the oil block. They alleged that during Ribadu’s recent visit to Ogoniland, Wike’s political allies boycotted engagements, undermining community-level dialogue.
COOP appealed to President Tinubu to warn Wike against further interference, investigate the allegations through security agencies, and ensure the peace process proceeds unhindered.
“Ogoni people are tired of conflict, manipulation, and being used as pawns in political and economic struggles,” the petition reads. “For the first time in many years, there is genuine hope that justice, peace, and development may finally come to our land.”
