…Demand political justice, inclusivity

By Daniel Abia, P/Harcourt

The leadership of the Ogoni Business Owners Association in America, OBOAN, in consultation with concerned Ogoni stakeholders has resolved to support the governorship aspiration of Dr. Gabriel Pidomson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to succeed Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2027 Rivers State governorship election.

This decision follows extensive consultations on the political future of Rivers State and the urgent need to address the longstanding political and economic marginalisation of the Ogoni people.

A statement by the President of OBOAN, Chief Antony Waadah on Tuesday said more than five decades since the creation of Rivers State, the Ogoni ethnic nationality has remained excluded from the highest positions of political authority in the state.

Waadah said that despite being one of the largest, “most educated and economically significant ethnic nationalities in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, no Ogoni person has occupied the office of Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly or Chief Judge of Rivers State”.

He stated that this reality raises fundamental questions about equity, justice, inclusion and fair representation in a multiethnic state where every component group deserves a sense of belonging and participation in governance.

“The Ogoni people have produced distinguished politicians, accomplished academics, respected technocrats, seasoned administrators and successful entrepreneurs who possess the competence, experience and capacity to govern Rivers State effectively. There is therefore no justification for the continued exclusion of Ogoni from the apex of political leadership in the state.

“The governorship aspiration of Sir Dr. Gabriel Pidomson represents more than an individual ambition. It symbolizes a collective struggle for fairness, justice, recognition and inclusion. It is a historic opportunity for Rivers State to demonstrate its commitment to equity by supporting the emergence of a qualified Ogoni son as governor”.

Chief Waadah therefore called on all Ogonis, irrespective of political affiliation, religious belief or community background, to unite behind this “noble cause”, adding that, “history has shown that no people can advance politically when they are divided against themselves. The time has come for Ogonis to place collective interest above personal gains and partisan considerations.

“Our forefathers and heroes did not make sacrifices for future generations to remain silent in the face of injustice and exclusion. The struggle of the Ogoni people has always been rooted in dignity, equality and the pursuit of legitimate rights within the Nigerian federation.

“It is therefore unfortunate that some individuals are allegedly being induced with temporary political incentives to work against the collective aspirations of their people. We urge such persons to reflect deeply on the implications of their actions and remember that opportunities for political emancipation are rare and must not be sacrificed for short-term benefits”, he cautioned.

He said as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who actively worked for the success of the party during the 2023 general elections, he remains committed to the principles of democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law, saying that political actors and institutions must operate within the framework of the law and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

“I have also observed with concern attempts by some political actors to create the impression that the Ogoni people are united behind other governorship interests. The truth remains that the overwhelming desire across Ogoni communities is to see one of their own occupy the Brick House for the first time in the history of Rivers State. This aspiration should not be dismissed, trivialized or sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and all relevant institutions to remain impartial and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants and political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We wish to place on record our commitment to monitoring and documenting any form of intimidation, harassment, unlawful arrest, political persecution or suppression directed against members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any citizen exercising his or her constitutional rights”.

He called on the international community, democratic institutions, global human rights organizations and all advocates of justice should pay close attention to developments in Rivers State as the 2027 elections approach, reminding that democracy thrives when citizens are free to express their political choices without fear, intimidation or coercion.

Recall that the Ogoni people have consistently maintained that political inclusion, environmental justice, economic empowerment and resource governance are interconnected issues that must be addressed holistically. Consequently, they believe that discussions surrounding the resumption of oil exploration and production activities in Ogoniland “cannot be separated from the broader demand for political justice and inclusion”.

Chief Waadah noted that for decades, Ogoniland contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy through oil production while suffering environmental degradation, economic neglect and political exclusion. It would therefore be unjust for the Federal Government to focus exclusively on the resumption of oil activities without first addressing the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the Ogoni people.

He said the Federal Government must understand that the issue of oil resumption in Ogoniland goes beyond economics. “It is fundamentally linked to justice, fairness, representation and the recognition of the political rights of the Ogoni people. Any discussion about returning to Ogoni oil without first addressing the issue of political power and inclusion would amount to placing economic interests above the welfare and aspirations of the people”.

According to him, the Ogoni Bill of Rights clearly articulated the desire of the Ogoni people for political autonomy, fair representation and participation in decisions affecting their resources and future. “It is therefore inconsistent for government officials to aggressively pursue oil resumption while remaining silent on the legitimate quest of the Ogoni people for political power and equitable representation.

“Our position is clear: before any meaningful conversation on oil resumption can gain the confidence and support of the Ogoni people, there must be demonstrable commitment to addressing the political exclusion that Ogonis have endured since the creation of Rivers State. The emergence of an Ogoni governor would represent a significant step toward correcting historical injustice and building confidence among the people.

“We therefore urge the Federal Government to place the issue of political inclusion on the same level of importance as discussions surrounding oil resumption. Development without justice cannot bring peace. Resource extraction without political inclusion cannot produce sustainable partnership.

“The Ogoni struggle has never been solely about environmental remediation or economic compensation. It is also about political recognition, dignity, fairness and the right of a people to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their land, resources and future.

“Any effort to reintroduce oil production in Ogoniland without adequately addressing the question of political inclusion and justice will be viewed by many Ogonis as a continuation of the historical pattern of exploitation and marginalisation that has characterized relations between the region and successive governments.

“We therefore urge the Federal Government to engage sincerely with the aspirations of the Ogoni people and to recognize that sustainable peace, development and cooperation can only be achieved through justice, inclusion and mutual respect”.

Chief Waadahexplained that the emergence of an Ogoni governor in Rivers State would represent a major step toward healing historical grievances, strengthening unity and fostering a new era of trust between the Ogoni people, Rivers State and the Nigerian federation.

He called on all Rivers people to see Dr. Gabriel Pidomson not merely as an Ogoni candidate but as a candidate of unity, reconciliation, healing, peace and inclusive development, adding that his aspiration offers an opportunity to build bridges across ethnic, political and regional divides and to create a Rivers State where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

“The 2027 governorship election”, he said, ” presents a historic opportunity to deepen democracy, promote fairness and correct decades of political imbalance. We urge all well-meaning citizens of Rivers State to support this vision and join in the pursuit of a more just, united and prosperous future.”