Kegbara Dere Demands Direct Representation in Ogoni Oil Resumption Talks
The Kegbara Dere community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State has demanded direct representation in talks to resume oil and gas operations in Ogoniland.
The community, led by Paramount Ruler HRH Chief Donald Kpegemona Gberesuu, stated that no decision concerning its oil and gas assets should be taken without the participation of its duly constituted leadership and institutions.
In an open letter 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 declared: 'No decision about Kegbara Dere without Kegbara Dere.'
The community said it was not opposed to responsible petroleum resumption but insisted that any return to oil production must be accompanied by comprehensive environmental remediation, community participation, transparency, accountability, safety, and tangible economic benefits.