Kegbara Dere Community Demands Representation in Oil Resumption Talks

The Kegbara Dere community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State has demanded direct representation in ongoing efforts to resolve the controversy surrounding the proposed resumption of oil and gas operations in Ogoniland.

The community, led by its Paramount Ruler, HRH Chief Donald Kpegemona Gberesuu, declared that no decision about its oil and gas assets should be taken without the participation of its duly constituted leadership and institutions.

In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and copied to relevant Federal Government agencies, the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, MOSOP, KAGOTE and other stakeholders, the community stated: 'No decision about Kegbara Dere without Kegbara Dere.'

The community said it was not opposed to responsible petroleum resumption but insisted any return to oil production must be accompanied by comprehensive environmental remediation, community participation, transparency, accountability, safety and tangible economic benefits.