Leaders of Ogoniland at the weekend said they were yet to be consulted by the Federal Government with respect to the appointment of a new operator to take over Royal Dutch Shell’s interest in the land.
They have vowed to resist any plan to impose any operator chosen without their approval.
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had last month announced the revocation of Shell’s oil operating licence in the area and government’s decision to appoint a new operator acceptable to the Ogoni people to take over exploration activities in the area.
Yar’Adua had explained then that the decision to re-allocate Shell’s oil blocks followed the strained relationship between the oil giant and the Ogoni community, which resulted in the execution of the leader of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others in 1995 by the late General Sani Abacha regime.
A few weeks later, the president appointed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell’s joint venture partner, to take over the latter’s interest in the area.
But in a statement made available to THISDAY, a group under the aegies of the New Ogoni Leadership, stated that government was yet to invite them to any meeting to discuss the processes or modalities for the take-over, even when the process was reported to be nearing conclusion.
While expressing doubt over the genuineness of the exercise, the group warned that any attempt by the Federal Government to appoint any company without their consent and approval would be tantamount to fanning fresh trouble in the area, noting that having fought the battle to this point, they deserved to be respected, while their views and concerns must be accommodated in any plan to replace Shell on their soil.
They are demanding that any company that would operate in their land must offer them equity/shares in its operations, positions on its board, employments as well as exclusive rights to contracts.
They are also demanding that the new operator must be headed by a Nigerian, preferably of Niger Delta extraction, with history of sound social and environmental performance and technical competence.
The Ogoni leaders also stated that the new operator must have access to adequate funds and must be ready to sign memorandum of understanding with the people specifying responsibilities of all parties on scope of sustainable development projects, including manpower and capacity development.
“These demands are fair expectations that government and the new company should accede to.  Ogoni people want peace on their land, and are wary of plans by operators and powerful people in government to use money to cause internal friction and division amongst them.
“Their plan is to cause confusion and thereby justify their selfish interests. Ogoni people are aware of all these, and are prepared to resist them. The new umbrella leadership organisation that has emerged should be the only recognised body that represents the interest of Ogoni people.
“In the interest of peace and to ensure that the wishes of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua are not derailed, due process must be followed. All stakeholders—government, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), NPDC, DPR, SPDC, Special Advisers, Ministers of Petroleum and Gas, should ensure that this body is consulted without further delay, and avoid being misled and misguided by selfish individuals,” the group said, adding that success in Ogoni would mean success in the Niger Delta, but failure would result in devastating consequences across the region.
THISDAY investigations revealed that since the revocation of Shell contract in Ogoni, the Dutch oil firm, NPDC, DPR who are key players, have not been formally notified of the licence revocation by government or the process to be followed.
It was also learnt that there is still intense lobbying by powerful people, including those with oversight roles and responsibilities in the oil and gas industry, to position their individual companies or preferred operators for the juicy blocks notwithstanding that the exercise is almost completed with the new operator about to take over.
Some of members of the new Ogoni leadership who have already met with Vice- President Goodluck Jonathan, to convey their position include Chief G. Gininwa, who is the president of Ogoni Council of Chiefs, Dr. Ledum Mitee, Prof. D. Banidam, Mr. B. L. Kpagih, Dr. Magnus Kpakol, Mr. Ken Wiwa Jnr., and Dr. Ben Waanee.
Others are Senator Lee Maeba, Hon. Emmanuel Deeya, Hon. Olaka Nwogu, Dr. Eddie Wikina, Dr. Benneth Birabi, Dr. Rosaline Konya, Hon. Magnus Abe, Mr. Bobo Agava, Mr. K.K. Kobani, George Feyii and Mrs. Donu Kogbara.
The Ogoni people have led a non-violent campaign over the past 15 years and drew international attention to the plight of the Niger Delta, and the poor environmental practices of the major International Oil Companies (IOCs).

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