KAGOTE Calls for Fair Oil Agreement to Benefit Ogoni People

The leadership of KAGOTE, which represents the Ogoni people, has stated that any agreement with the Federal Government regarding the resumption of oil exploration must be fair and beneficial. This statement was made during a remembrance event for the Ogoni Nine in Port Harcourt.

KAGOTE’s President, Chief Lesi Maol, emphasized that the agreement should be a significant document for future generations. He noted that it should be judged by its fairness and the benefits it brings, rather than how quickly it is signed or the status of the signatories.

Maol acknowledged progress in talks with the government but stressed that the negotiation process must be credible. He urged that confidence-building measures should be effectively implemented to ensure meaningful negotiations. He called for inclusive meetings in the four Ogoni local government areas to gather input from various community members.

He proposed that a skilled negotiating team, supported by experts in various fields, should lead the discussions based on community feedback. This approach would help ensure that any agreement reflects the genuine needs and support of the Ogoni people.

Maol also highlighted the importance of transparency, suggesting that any development plans from oil operators should be shared with the community for assessment before operations begin. He warned that oil activities should not harm ongoing environmental restoration efforts.

To further support sustainable development, Maol proposed creating an Ogoni Development Partnership Forum. This would help coordinate efforts among stakeholders to improve the lives of the Ogoni people as oil exploration resumes.