BORI STATE IS ONLY CONDITION FOR OIL RESUMPTION IN OGONI - DR. FABEKE DOUGLAS

The Ogoni Liberation Initiative has declared that the creation of Bori State remains the only condition for the resumption of oil exploration and production activities in Ogoni, Rivers State.

The group made the position known in a statement signed by its President and CEO, Dr. Fabeke Douglas, following what it described as renewed engagements with relevant agencies and the Federal Government over the Ogoni question.

Douglas said he was recently presented with an official summary document on the proposed creation of Bori State, noting that a copy of the document had previously been submitted to former United States President Barack Obama and former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

According to him, the agitation for Bori State dates back several decades and is rooted in historical records and government reports.

He cited the 1958 Willink Commission, which was established to examine the fears of minority groups ahead of Nigeria's independence, as part of the historical basis for the demand.

Douglas also referenced the Technical Committee on the Niger Delta Report, which he said highlighted developmental deficits in the region.

Proposed Bori State Structure

According to the summary document cited by the group, the proposed Bori State would comprise seven Local Government Areas, with Bori as the proposed state capital.

The proposed LGAs are:

1. Oyigbo
2. Eleme
3. Tai
4. Gokana
5. Khana
6. Andoni
7. Opobo/Nkoro

The group said the document also contains projections for possible administrative subdivisions of some of the local government areas, including Eleme, Andoni, Oyigbo, Khana and Gokana.

Douglas further stated that the proposed state has the potential to become a major industrial centre because of its strategic location, human resources and natural resources.

'Bori State Necessary for Oil Resumption'

The Ogoni Liberation Initiative maintained that the creation of Bori State should form part of any meaningful resolution of the long-standing issues surrounding oil exploration in Ogoniland.

“Bori State is the only condition for oil resumption in Ogoni,” Douglas stated, arguing that addressing the political and developmental concerns of the people must precede any renewed oil-related engagement.

He further argued that the areas proposed for inclusion in Bori State were among those highlighted decades ago for their developmental challenges, adding that many of the concerns remain unresolved.

Tribute to Cyrus Nunieh

The group also paid tribute to the late Senator (Gbene) Cyrus N. Nunieh, whom Douglas described as a prominent advocate who worked to advance the processes surrounding the proposed creation of Bori State.

Douglas said Nunieh would be remembered in what he described as the “Ogoni Heroes Hall of Fame.”

Further Engagements

The Ogoni Liberation Initiative said it would continue engaging relevant government institutions and stakeholders on the Bori State proposal.

The organisation also said it intends to release additional documents and evidence relating to other outstanding issues affecting Ogoni, including compensation and environmental remediation.

“Bori State is not just an aspiration. Bori State is possible. Bori State is necessary,” Douglas said.

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