Babbe youths have given their seal of approval for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, even as they called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and check the excesses of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, and the speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaehule to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to focus on the development of Ogoniland and other parts of the state, as he has committed to doing.
This endorsement was made at the presidential dialogue and consultation committee on oil and gas exploration in Ogoniland, held in Bori on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
A youth leader in Ogoniland, Comrade Effort Ndeesor, speaking on behalf of the youths, endorsed the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, emphasizing that the youths must however be actively involved in the process.
Ndeesor averred that the youths are crucial to driving the process forward and must be allowed to make meaningful inputs.
He added that this stance is significant, as it highlights the importance of youth participation in decisions affecting their communities and futures.
Ndeesor also urged President Tinubu to caution Chief Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Rt. Hon. Amaehule against interfering with governance in Rivers State.
He emphasized the need for Governor Fubara to focus on governing the state without distractions, warning that nobody can remove the first elected governor from Rivers South East senatorial district.
He enthused, “Ogonis are united and in solidarity with Opobo people because they are our good neighbours and brothers. This call to action underscores concerns about potential power struggles and the importance of allowing democratically elected officials to fulfil their duties without undue influence or interference.”
He added that the Babbe people are calling for increased cooperation between the Ogoni people and the governor of Rivers State, citing his commitment to developing Ogoniland and Babbe.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Civil Society Organisations,
Solomon Lenu said that Governor Fubara has demonstrated his dedication to the region’s growth, and it’s essential to allow him to function without distractions.
He said, “We urge our brothers and sisters to give the governor the necessary support and cooperation to succeed.
“The crisis is not in the best interests of the state or Ogoni people; it’s a distraction that hinders progress.”
Babbe youths, opinion leaders, and civil society groups have united to condemn the political distractions in Rivers State, urging those who don’t have a stake in the state’s well-being to refrain from causing unrest.
They also warned that they would resist such attempts lawfully and legally.
Lenu added, “Enough is enough; we won’t allow anyone to disrupt the peace in Rivers State,l.
“We received the news of the Supreme Court judgment with mixed feelings and heavy hearts, but we’ll abide by the rule of law.”
The Babbe people reinstated their commitment to peaceful resolution, emphasizing the need to allow the governor to work for the benefit of the state.
He added, “We won’t be intimidated or distracted; we’ll continue to support the governor’s efforts to develop Rivers State.” Lenu concluded.
Another Babe youth leader, Hon. Prince Felix Lebabari Legbara strongly condemned the plot against the choice of Rivers people, emphasizing that the continued silence from the President is unacceptable.
Legbara averred that the people of Rivers State have spoken through the ballot, and their choice must be respected.
He viewed the ongoing plot as a threat to democracy and the will of the people, stressing that the president must intervene to prevent further chaos.
Legbara also called on President Tinubu to take decisive action, specifically to call Wike to order to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to govern Rivers State without interference.
He asserted that nobody can become the governor of Rivers State through the backdoor, emphasizing that the people’s choice must be respected.
Legbara’s stance reflects the widespread concern among Rivers State youths about the plot to undermine their democratic choice, and they are urging the president to act swiftly to restore order and stability in the state.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
