Ogoni oil resumption: KAGOTE, committee disagree over jobs, contracts

The socio-cultural group representing the Ogoni people, KAGOTE, and the Ogoni Dialogue Committee have clashed over allegations of job racketeering and other issues concerning the planned return of oil production to Ogoniland in Rivers State. KAGOTE claims that some members of the dialogue committee were attempting to secure jobs for themselves and non-Ogoni individuals from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

They also allege that non-Ogoni names were included in recent employment lists provided by the NNPCL. KAGOTE demands transparency and insists that the Ogoni people support the resumption of oil production. However, Prof Don Baridam, the Chairman of the ODC and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, denies involvement in the selection process and states that the NNPCL chose candidates from its existing database of qualified Ogoni applicants.

He emphasizes that the NNPCL adhered to its established professional recruitment standards throughout the process. Baridam also denies any involvement in awarding contracts, stating that the ODC had no authority in this matter. Regarding oil production activities, Baridam claims that no such activities are currently underway in Ogoniland.

KAGOTE, however, insists that no individual or organization is more important than the collective interest of the Ogoni people and calls for clarity, transparency, and accountability in the dialogue process. They also question the composition of the harmonisation committee and the selection process for representatives, urging a clear and documented procedure.