On Wednesday, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu announced that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the swift and comprehensive execution of peace initiatives agreed upon during recent discussions with key stakeholders in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
Speaking to reporters at the State House after submitting the consultation report to the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ribadu emphasized that this directive aims to heal decades of unrest in the oil-rich Ogoni region and foster lasting harmony.
He explained that the President has tasked the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) alongside all pertinent government bodies to implement the resolutions reached through engagement with Ogoni community leaders and representatives.
“Ogoniland is an integral part of our nation,” Ribadu stated. “We are now turning the page on more than thirty years of unfortunate conflict. Through open dialogue and community involvement, we have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and are moving forward. The progress you witness today is a testament to that effort.”
“The President has explicitly instructed all government agencies and our office to ensure full adherence to the agreements made, and we have embraced this responsibility,” he added.
The NSA reaffirmed his office’s dedication, in collaboration with other institutions, to securing enduring peace in Ogoniland. He expressed confidence that the positive impact will soon extend beyond Ogoni to the wider Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
“We are committed to following the President’s directives meticulously. Peace has already begun to take root, and we anticipate that its benefits will be felt not only in Ogoniland but throughout the Niger Delta and across the nation,” Ribadu remarked.
He praised President Tinubu’s leadership approach, highlighting its foundation in inclusive dialogue and community participation as essential to rectifying historical grievances and forging a new future for Ogoniland.
“This administration exemplifies leadership through engagement and inclusivity, allowing all voices to be heard. From this collaborative process, we derive solutions that rewrite history and address past errors,” Ribadu noted.
Concluding, the NSA expressed appreciation for the President’s unwavering dedication to the peace process, underscoring that this renewed commitment strengthens the resolve to continue advancing the work ahead.
