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

The Ogoni people's cultural and socio-political organization, KAGOTE, has clashed with the Ogoni Dialogue Committee over allegations of job racketeering and other concerns regarding the impending return of oil production to Ogoniland in Rivers State. KAGOTE, which represents four local government areas within Ogoniland, has accused some members of the dialogue committee of attempting to secure jobs for non-Ogoni individuals within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The KAGOTE president, Chief Lesi Maol, called for transparency, emphasizing that the Ogoni people welcomed the oil re-entry process due to the committee's composition. However, Pro-Chairman of the Dialogue Committee, Prof Don Baridam, denied any involvement in the selection process, stating that the NNPCL had chosen its candidates from a pre-existing database of qualified Ogoni applicants, rather than relying on the committee's nominations.

Baridam also denied any involvement in the resumption of exploration activities, stating that the committee had no information confirming such activities. KAGOTE has maintained that its role is to ensure clarity, transparency, and accountability in the dialogue process, rather than opposing the Federal Government's intentions or attempting to derail oil production.

The organization has questioned the composition and selection process of the harmonisation committee, emphasizing the need for a transparent and documented approach in choosing representatives for Ogoni negotiations.