This column originally appeared in Vanguard
Chief Lesi Maol is the President of KAGOTE, the Ogoni equivalent of Afenifere, Ohanaeze and the Arewa Consultative Forum.
Maol, a highly successful businessman and generous philanthropist who has donated billions to worthy causes in Rivers State, also happens to be a member of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC), which was inaugurated by the Federal Government in January 2025 to pave the way for resumption of oil production in an area that has been at a standstill economically since the Ken Saro Wiwa crisis unfolded 3 decades ago.
I am also a member of the ODC and I think it is fair to say that Maol spoke for many when, at a press conference that took place in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, he thanked the authorities for giving us the opportunity to share our thoughts about the best way forward but expressed serious concerns about the way the ODC is being managed.
Excerpts:
We believe that the dialogue process, as conceived by the Federal Government, represents a genuine opportunity to achieve lasting peace and a mutually beneficial outcome for both the Ogoni people and the Federal Government.
It is precisely because we support this initiative and desire its success that we consider it necessary to draw attention to certain developments which, if left unaddressed, may undermine public confidence in the process.
Matters Requiring Urgent Clarification
1. Clarity on the Status of Oil Activities in Ogoniland
There is growing apprehension among sections of the Ogoni population that certain oil-related activities may have commenced in parts of Ogoniland while consultations between the Federal Government and Ogoni stakeholders remain ongoing.
The absence of clear information from the leadership of the ODC on this matter has created uncertainty within our communities. In my capacity as President of KAGOTE, I have received several representations and expressions of concern from Ogoni communities. Unfortunately, the absence of authoritative information has made it difficult to provide the necessary clarification.
We therefore respectfully request that the position regarding the status of oil activities in Ogoniland be clearly communicated to the people in order to prevent misinformation, speculation and unnecessary tension.
2. Transparency in Employment and Confidence-Building Opportunities
We understand that, as part of confidence-building measures, employment opportunities were extended to Ogoni youths through NNPC.
This is a commendable initiative by the Federal Government. However, concerns have arisen regarding the selection process, applicable criteria and distribution of the opportunities. Members and stakeholders have not been sufficiently informed about these matters despite requests for clarification.
We believe that greater transparency would protect the integrity of this important Federal Government initiative and ensure that its benefits are seen to be fairly distributed across Ogoniland.
3. Transparency Regarding Contract Awards
Similar concerns have been expressed regarding contracts reportedly awarded as part of confidence-building interventions for Ogoniland.
Relevant information regarding the nature and scope of the interventions, contract values, contractors and applicable processes has not been sufficiently communicated to members of the Committee and Ogoni people.
Greater disclosure within the appropriate governance framework would strengthen accountability, dispel speculation and enable representatives of the Ogoni people to provide accurate information to their respective constituencies.
4. Security of Ogoni Communities
We remain deeply concerned about incidents of violence and killings reported in some Ogoni communities…Sustainable economic activity can only flourish in an environment where communities feel secure and protected. We therefore respectfully appeal for strengthened security intervention in affected Ogoni communities.
5. Alleged External Influence and Improper Use of the Name of the Office of the National Security Adviser
A particular serious concern relates to the current harmonization list in which non-members of the ODC were smuggled in under the guise that it was the directive of the NSA….
…We therefore respectfully call upon the Office of the National Security Adviser to investigate these claims and clarify the position. Such intervention would protect the integrity of the Office of the NSA and reassure the Ogoni people that no person is improperly using the authority of that Office to advance private or sectional interests.
6. Information Sharing Among Members of the ODC
There are also concerns that relevant information has not always been made available to duly appointed members of the ODC.
For the Committee to discharge its mandate effectively, members should have reasonable access to information necessary for consultation with, and feedback to, the constituencies they represent.
7. Reports, Harmonization and Feedback
Questions have also arisen regarding the persons nominated to participate in the harmonization of Ogoni positions, as well as the contents of reports submitted to the Federal Government and any responses received…
…We therefore request greater clarity regarding the harmonization process and appropriate access to relevant reports and feedback.
8. Conduct Capable of Undermining Unity
We are equally concerned about conduct by certain individuals within the dialogue process which has resulted in personal attacks, inflammatory statements and unnecessary divisions among Ogoni stakeholders.
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The history of Ogoniland teaches us the importance of dialogue, restraint and unity. Differences of opinion must never be allowed to degenerate into hostility or incitement.
9. Attack on members of the ODC and Security Concerns
On several occasions, some members of the ODC have raised concerns on the official ODC communication platform in what I consider to be a constructive effort to strengthen the process.
Regrettably, some of these concerns have been followed by attacks by some members of the ODC, including allegations portraying legitimate requests for transparency as opposition to the Federal Government or attempts to frustrate the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland which aim is intended to incite Ogoni people against some members of the ODC.
Seeking transparency and accountability within the dialogue process should not be characterized as opposition to government. On the contrary, identifying and addressing weaknesses within the process will strengthen the Federal Government’s initiative and improve its prospects of achieving [the] sustainable outcome [Mr President seeks].
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