As opinions continue to divide among Ogonis over whether oil production should resume in the area or not, a notable organization called The Ogoni Frontiers (TFO) has advised stakeholders not to muddle up facts that could open economic prosperity for the deprived tribe and Nigeria at large.
The organization which comprises professionals in both the media, academics, engineering, oil and gas industry among others, said it is disturbing that those opposed to the idea of resumption of oil production in Ogoni-land do not by their actions and utterances seem to encourage genuine indigenous involvement in oil exploration and/or establishment of viable petroleum production firms in the land.
Spokesman and Media Director For The Ogoni Frontiers, Comrade Alloy Khenom who spoke with journalists at the end of its executive meeting at Bori said, while TOF may share the aspiration of some Ogonis against immediate resumption of oil exploration activities in their land by foreign interests, especially the Anglo-Dutch Company, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), his organization would rather want Ogonis to drum support and encouragement for immediate establishment and take off of an indigenous oil and gas production company in the area.
Comrade Khenom believes that the existence of such a facility would provide result with completely different effects and better future for the people, than the agonies and devastation bestowed on them by the divisive activities of the SPDC, via exploitation and extensive damage to their ecosystem.
Comrade Alloy Khenom recalled recent reports in the media which, according to him, disclosed the readiness by some patriotic Ogonis to float a firm called Ogoni Petroleum Company Limited (OPCL), aimed primarily at catering for the socio-economic needs of the people.
He was of the opinion that, “Ogonis should identify those behind the laudable dream and throw their weight, behind them, as an OPCL in the land would surely be different from merely resuming oil exploration activities by a foreign body like the already rejected SPDC that was yet to respond to the Ogoni Bill of Rights several years after the agenda was set for the company.
In his contribution, the Co-ordinator of TOF in Tai Local Government Area, Hon Sunday Toba said the fear among Ogonis is not necessarily about resumption of oil business in their land but the sad experience they had in the hand of their former tenant, hence the need to thread carefully and embrace a company that has the peoples philosophy and interest which the OPCL claims to profess.
Similarly, the leadership of the Ogoni Frontiers said it doffs its hat for the recent call by the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Barinaada Mpigi for resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
TOF spokesman and its director of media communications, Comrade Alloy Khenom described the statement by the Senator as reasonable and timely, considering the level of social hardship in the land.
