OGONI YOUTH GROUP CONDEMNS ALLEGED SECRET OIL DRILLING IN ALESA OGONILAND, CALLS FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION

The Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youth Association has condemned what it described as alleged secret drilling and oil exploration activities by Sterling Global Oil Resources Ltd. in Alesa, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The association, led by its President, Comrade Teddy Gianen, expressed concern that the alleged activities were taking place at a sensitive time when the Federal Government and representatives of the Ogoni people are engaged in dialogue over the possible resumption of oil and gas exploration in Ogoni.

According to the association, the development is not only an environmental or operational concern but also a potential threat to the confidence-building process between the Federal Government and the Ogoni people.

The group recalled that Ogoni communities have for decades suffered the environmental and socio-economic consequences associated with oil exploration, stressing that the ongoing dialogue provides an opportunity to rebuild trust and establish mutually acceptable conditions for any future resumption of oil activities.

It therefore expressed concern that any drilling or exploration activity allegedly carried out without transparent engagement with relevant Ogoni stakeholders could undermine the credibility of the dialogue.

Group Warns of Possible Crisis

The association warned that renewed oil activities without adequate consultation, transparency and environmental safeguards could create fear, suspicion and resistance among affected communities.

It urged the Federal Government not to wait until tensions escalate before intervening, noting that a crisis in Ogoni could have wider implications for peace and security in the region.

Calls for Immediate Investigation

The group called on the Federal Government to immediately investigate the alleged drilling activities in Alesa-Eleme and establish the facts surrounding the operation.

It urged the relevant authorities to determine who authorized the activities, the legal and regulatory basis for the operation, whether required environmental and community-engagement processes were followed, and whether the activities are consistent with the ongoing Ogoni dialogue.

The association also called for an assessment of the potential environmental impact of the alleged activities on Alesa and surrounding communities.

Appeal to National Security Adviser

The group specifically appealed to the National Security Adviser to treat the matter as a potential peace and national security concern.

It urged the NSA to engage relevant security, regulatory and government agencies to establish the facts, prevent escalation and ensure that no activity undermines the ongoing confidence-building process.

Ogoni Dialogue Committee Urged to Act

The association also called on the Ogoni Dialogue Committee to urgently bring the matter before the Federal Government and demand clarification over the alleged activities.

It stressed that any proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni must be subjected to transparent engagement with affected communities and relevant stakeholders.

According to the group, oil and gas exploration can only resume successfully if it is built on trust, environmental protection, community participation, accountability, employment opportunities and sustainable development.

“The Ogoni people are not opposed to development. What the people demand is justice, environmental protection, transparency, participation and respect for their rights and dignity,” the association said.

The group further warned that oil resumption “cannot be built on secrecy” or unilateral actions capable of undermining the dialogue process.

It urged the Federal Government, National Security Adviser, regulatory authorities and the Ogoni Dialogue Committee to act immediately, engage affected communities and take steps to prevent the situation from escalating.

“The people of Ogoni deserve dialogue, not surprise. They deserve transparency, not secrecy,” the association stated.

The statement was signed by Comrade Teddy Gianen, President, Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youth Association.