‘Tinubu is very happy with you’ — Ribadu tells Fubara as FG moves to resume oil operations in Ogoniland

Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), has commended the administration of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, describing the state as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria.

Ribadu spoke on Monday when he led a federal government delegation, inluding David Umahi, minister of works; Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited; Balarabe Lawal, minsiter of environment; and top security officers to the state as part of the peace efforts to resume oil operations in Ogoniland.

“We are here as, you know, envoys of Mr President Bola Ahmed. We are here on a mission to thank you for the cooperation,” he said.

“Thank you for working together as one to address some of the challenges and difficulties we all inherited. We have worked as one. And particularly, we are here because of the Ogoni part of Nigeria.

“We did an incredibly good work together as one, and we are here to demonstrate and identify with the people once again, and to thank them on behalf of Nigeria.

“River state is probably one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. Things have changed. And your excellency, you are entitled to claim it, because you are responsible, you are part of it. And the good people of Ogoni, leaders, quality human beings, we have had this amazing opportunity to work with them, and I can tell you, they are good people, they are first class.

“And we have seen, you know, progress, development, and massive promise for Nigeria and our future. Ogoni is looking like the turning point for Nigeria today. A new chapter is being opened. Nigeria will not be again what it used to be. Things are changing, and it is starting with Ogoni land.

“I have delivered the message of th president. I should thank you, your excellency. He is very happy with you. And we are happy with you. He said I should also thank the people of Ogoni land for the cooperation, for understanding, and for giving him a chance to achieve an amazing [thing].

“The problem [lasted for] two or three decades. Somehow, now, it’s turning into a massive opportunity for Nigeria. You did well. You provided an enabling environment for that. You make it possible.”

On September 24, Tinubu posthumously conferred the national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage and Samuel Orage, collectively known as the ‘Ogoni Four’.

The four men were killed and burnt in 1994, and their deaths became the basis for the trial of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others, known as the ‘Ogoni Nine’, who were found guilty by the military regime of Sani Abacha and executed the following year.

The next day, Tinubu directed Ribadu to begin engagement with Ogoni communities, the NNPC, and other stakeholders to finalise the recommencement of oil production in the region.