OGONI NATIONAL YOUTH CONGRESS WARNS AGAINST MISINFORMATION, POLITICAL MANIPULATION AS FINDINGS CONFIRM PROF. DON BARIDAM STILL THE CHAIRMAN OF OGONI DIALOGUE COMMITTEE

The Ogoni National Youth Congress calls on the public to remain calm and vigilant as misguided claims gain traction on social media, specifically allegations that Professor Don Baridam has been removed as Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) and replaced by Senator Olaka Nwogu.

Rather than relying on the reports making the rounds online, the Congress undertook checks and consultations with relevant stakeholders, participants in the Abuja engagement and individuals familiar with the dialogue process to establish what actually transpired.

Our findings indicate that Professor Don Baridam remains Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and that no official decision has been communicated removing or replacing him.

The investigation further established that the Abuja meeting was part of the ongoing engagement between the Federal Government and the ODC. The meeting focused on harmonising areas of agreement and discussing the implementation of accepted demands contained in the Committee's report.

The Congress also learnt that concerns had earlier been raised over the composition of a proposed harmonisation team. Following a request from the ODC for broader participation, a revised list of nominees was adopted to allow the engagement with the Federal Government to proceed.

Senator Olaka Nwogu participated in the meeting as a political representative and was involved in moderating discussions alongside members of the ODC leadership.

However, the Congress found no evidence that his participation or role in moderating the meeting constituted a change in the leadership of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee.

Professor Don Baridam, according to information obtained by the Congress, remained recognised as the leader of the Ogoni delegation and delivered the Committee's address at the meeting.

There was no official announcement declaring Professor Baridam removed, replaced or resigned as Chairman.

The Congress therefore calls on those behind the contrary reports to produce the official resolution, communiqué or authoritative statement announcing a change in the leadership of the ODC.

The question is simple: where is the official document announcing that Professor Don Baridam has been removed?

Until such a document is produced, the Congress urges the public to treat reports of a leadership change as unverified information.

The Ogoni National Youth Congress is particularly concerned about the potential consequences of spreading unverified information on an issue as sensitive as the Ogoni Dialogue. The process concerns the collective aspirations and future of the Ogoni people and should not be reduced to social media speculation or political contestation.

Ogoni youths must also resist attempts to use them as instruments in disputes over political influence or personal interests.

The Ogoni struggle belongs to the people. It is bigger than any individual, politician, political party or interest group.

The Congress therefore calls on Ogoni political leaders, traditional leaders, elders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and allow the established dialogue structures to function.

Where disagreements exist, they should be addressed through consultation, evidence and dialogue, rather than rumours, sponsored narratives or public agitation.

The Congress also recognises that some important issues, particularly the demand for equity participation and the framework for its implementation, remain subjects requiring further engagement between the relevant parties.

Outstanding issues should not, however, be presented as evidence of the collapse of the dialogue or a change in the Committee's leadership.

Our findings remain clear: there is no verified evidence before us that Professor Don Baridam has been removed as Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee.

We urge the people of Ogoni, particularly young people, to remain calm, verify information before sharing it and avoid actions that could create unnecessary division.

The Ogoni Dialogue must remain focused on the interests of the Ogoni people and must not become a platform for political capture.

Signed:

Collins LEBETE

Spokesman

Ogoni National Youth Congress