NewStats: 3,263,272 , 8,179,618 topics. Date: Thursday, 05 June 2025 at 10:44 AM 3a5j48

The Nigerian government should stop pretending not to know what Ogonis want. It should create a state for the Ogoni people. The Ogoni have given so much in mineral resources and blood for the country’s good but got nothing back, not even respect except pollution, degradation and death. A state for Ogoni is the prerequisite for further oil production in the land.
If this state which the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) describes as political autonomy or internal self-determination like the current 36 states of the federation with about 26 created on ethnic prescriptions, is created the issues of political economy and development will be resolved.
In short, Ogoni, being an oil producing state, will directly benefit 13 percent from the derivation funds and more funds from abundant gas reserves. The Ogoni Bill of Rights which the government has is clear on “The Autonomy Option,” that arrangement by whatever name called that guarantees the control of Ogoni political, economic and sociocultural affairs by Ogonis.
Given Ogoni’s historical background and contribution to the development and growth of the country, she’s overqualified for a state. Population isn’t a core consideration even though the Ogoni population is about two million or more and all states or provinces aren’t equal in population, whether in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa or India not to mention America, etc. Nations with a population that’s less than one million also coexist with those that are one hundred million, and over one billion.
A state is about self-determination or the ability of the people to control and manage themselves with from the central government when needed yet such a state also has a responsibility to contribute by paying taxes or otherwise to the central government. There are also states as common in Nigeria which may have five to ten or more million in population but were created with Ogoni, Ijaw and other Niger delta communities’ oil money. They’ve continued to depend on oil money for survival without which they may not survive for 12 months; and they also contribute little, or nothing yet are endowed with solid and liquid minerals which proceeds may not be paid to or taxed by the federal government.
Meanwhile, Ogoni demand for political autonomy that’s a state is synonymous with the self-determination experience in Nigeria as hinted above therefore not extraneous or a fancy demand that’s unheard of and unachievable. Why must Ogoni continue to be the golden eggs layer or goose but can’t benefit from its own eggs including a state to drive development home to the people who have given so much to Nigeria yet oppressed and marginalized by the federal and River State government?
This is unjust, unfair, inhumane, dehumanizing and criminal on the part of Nigeria. Ogonis therefore demand justice and equity. To achieve the needed peace and economic activities in Ogoni, Nigeria has no option but to do right by the Ogoni people beginning with state creation which constitutional amendment will make possible. Once this state is created other demands shall fall through.
Let’s look at the bigger picture here by applying strategic, long-term calculations that’s leadership and management wisdom. By this I mean, imagine the development, jobs that will be created in a new state for these cheated, oppressed and traumatized people. Imagine that nearly half if not more than half of the Niger delta problems would have been solved, and the state will work with the federal government, oil companies and other stakeholders to put in place safeguards to prevent oil spills, pollution and properly manage them when they occur, something Nigeria and Rivers State have proven incapable of doing alone, the same way it’s wallowed in a mono-economy---nearly total dependence on oil and nothing else despite huge population willing to create more if invested in.
Therefore, if the Nigerian government is serious and honest, realizing how dishonesty and disrespect, other shenanigans thwarted previous attempts to achieve peace and cooperation in Ogoni, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu should stop inviting Ogonis for talks about their demands and create a state for Ogoni---problem solved! He’d discontinue meetings such as the recent one held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, which had the Rivers State governor and minister of the federal capital territory in attendance making it a Rivers State meeting with Ogonis in attendance. Such meetings are largely about oil resumption and not the people’s interest and their demand for a state.
Ogonis can meet the Nigerian government or any other entity, properly represent their people and bring home a people-oriented investment, and development measures, if representatives are carefully chosen by the people. They don’t need the help of Rivers State government which is a prominent marginalization force against Ogoni.
It’s evident that the issue of Nigeria isn’t insufficient amount of oil pumped daily but grossly inept or incompetent rulership hence mismanagement, classic and organized theft of crude oil by people in high places according to reports and money remitted (and not remitted by NNPC for months) to the national and states’ treasuries. This implies that the production of oil in Ogoni will not end the above menace and dilemma rather it may exacerbate them as there would be more money in the federal coffers to steal or mismanage. Notwithstanding this reality, the Tinubu-led government may have genuine intentions to resolve the Ogoni conflict; increase oil output and invest to reduce the current hardship and hunger devastating the country.
Consequently, the reality of the country predicated on decades of mistakes by a dangerously selfish, greedy, incompetent political class and rulership that is grossly corrupt should guide Mr. Tinubu to prioritize openness and honesty in his planning. His deeds and communication with the Ogonis and officials of the federal government saddled with the responsibility of working with the Ogoni people should be humane. A quest for lasting peace should begin with lasting justice that is a state for Ogoni. ability is also important and must be taken seriously.
Lastly, Mr. Tinubu’s seeming disposition, particularly how he spoke well of his experience and relationship with some Ogonis during the pro-democracy struggle and expressing understanding of what happened to Ogonis, and how to honor Ogoni martyrs gives a glimpse of hope. The practical work guided by respect for the Ogonis is needed given the fact that the solution to the problem is before us courtesy the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
Below is the core demands stipulated in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR); and for the naysayers, I hope this will rest your misplaced angst as the bill does not and has not at any point included any demand for a country or independence of Ogoni from Nigeria:
(1) Political control of Ogoni affairs by Ogoni people.
(ii) The right to the control and use of a fair proportion of OGONI economic resources for Ogoni development; (iii) Adequate and direct representation as of right in all Nigerian national institutions; (iv) The use and development of Ogoni languages in all Nigerian territory; (v) The full development of Ogoni culture; (vi) The right to religious freedom; and (vii) The right to protect the OGONI environment and ecology from further degradation. We make the above demand in the knowledge that it does not deny any other ethnic group in the Nigerian Federation of their rights and that it can only conduce to peace, justice and fair-play and hence stability and progress in the Nigerian nation. We make the demand in the belief that, as Obafemi Awolowo has written: In a true federation, each ethnic group no matter how small, is entitled to the same treatment as any other ethnic group, no matter how large. We demand these rights as equal of the Nigerian Federation who contribute and have contributed to the growth of the Federation and have a right to expect full returns from that Federation.

Ben Ikari is the author of Ken Saro-Wiwa and MOSOP: The Story and Revelations; The Squirrels and Lions: How Honest Communication Sealed Their Friendship, and Tortoise as the Smartest in Its Kingdom: Intervened During Hunger Crisis.
[email protected]

Mckary:
The Nigerian government should stop pretending not to know what Ogonis want. It should create a state for the Ogoni people. The Ogoni have given so much in mineral resources and blood for the country’s good but got nothing back, not even respect except pollution, degradation and death. A state for Ogoni is the prerequisite for further oil production in the land.
If this state which the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) describes as political autonomy or internal self-determination like the current 36 states of the federation with about 26 created on ethnic prescriptions, is created the issues of political economy and development will be resolved.
In short, Ogoni, being an oil producing state, will directly benefit 13 percent from the derivation funds and more funds from abundant gas reserves. The Ogoni Bill of Rights which the government has is clear on “The Autonomy Option,” that arrangement by whatever name called that guarantees the control of Ogoni political, economic and sociocultural affairs by Ogonis.
Given Ogoni’s historical background and contribution to the development and growth of the country, she’s overqualified for a state. Population isn’t a core consideration even though the Ogoni population is about two million or more and all states or provinces aren’t equal in population, whether in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa or India not to mention America, etc. Nations with a population that’s less than one million also coexist with those that are one hundred million, and over one billion.
A state is about self-determination or the ability of the people to control and manage themselves with from the central government when needed yet such a state also has a responsibility to contribute by paying taxes or otherwise to the central government. There are also states as common in Nigeria which may have five to ten or more million in population but were created with Ogoni, Ijaw and other Niger delta communities’ oil money. They’ve continued to depend on oil money for survival without which they may not survive for 12 months; and they also contribute little, or nothing yet are endowed with solid and liquid minerals which proceeds may not be paid to or taxed by the federal government.
Meanwhile, Ogoni demand for political autonomy that’s a state is synonymous with the self-determination experience in Nigeria as hinted above therefore not extraneous or a fancy demand that’s unheard of and unachievable. Why must Ogoni continue to be the golden eggs layer or goose but can’t benefit from its own eggs including a state to drive development home to the people who have given so much to Nigeria yet oppressed and marginalized by the federal and River State government?
This is unjust, unfair, inhumane, dehumanizing and criminal on the part of Nigeria. Ogonis therefore demand justice and equity. To achieve the needed peace and economic activities in Ogoni, Nigeria has no option but to do right by the Ogoni people beginning with state creation which constitutional amendment will make possible. Once this state is created other demands shall fall through.
Let’s look at the bigger picture here by applying strategic, long-term calculations that’s leadership and management wisdom. By this I mean, imagine the development, jobs that will be created in a new state for these cheated, oppressed and traumatized people. Imagine that nearly half if not more than half of the Niger delta problems would have been solved, and the state will work with the federal government, oil companies and other stakeholders to put in place safeguards to prevent oil spills, pollution and properly manage them when they occur, something Nigeria and Rivers State have proven incapable of doing alone, the same way it’s wallowed in a mono-economy---nearly total dependence on oil and nothing else despite huge population willing to create more if invested in.
Therefore, if the Nigerian government is serious and honest, realizing how dishonesty and disrespect, other shenanigans thwarted previous attempts to achieve peace and cooperation in Ogoni, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu should stop inviting Ogonis for talks about their demands and create a state for Ogoni---problem solved! He’d discontinue meetings such as the recent one held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, which had the Rivers State governor and minister of the federal capital territory in attendance making it a Rivers State meeting with Ogonis in attendance. Such meetings are largely about oil resumption and not the people’s interest and their demand for a state.
Ogonis can meet the Nigerian government or any other entity, properly represent their people and bring home a people-oriented investment, and development measures, if representatives are carefully chosen by the people. They don’t need the help of Rivers State government which is a prominent marginalization force against Ogoni.
It’s evident that the issue of Nigeria isn’t insufficient amount of oil pumped daily but grossly inept or incompetent rulership hence mismanagement, classic and organized theft of crude oil by people in high places according to reports and money remitted (and not remitted by NNPC for months) to the national and states’ treasuries. This implies that the production of oil in Ogoni will not end the above menace and dilemma rather it may exacerbate them as there would be more money in the federal coffers to steal or mismanage. Notwithstanding this reality, the Tinubu-led government may have genuine intentions to resolve the Ogoni conflict; increase oil output and invest to reduce the current hardship and hunger devastating the country.
Consequently, the reality of the country predicated on decades of mistakes by a dangerously selfish, greedy, incompetent political class and rulership that is grossly corrupt should guide Mr. Tinubu to prioritize openness and honesty in his planning. His deeds and communication with the Ogonis and officials of the federal government saddled with the responsibility of working with the Ogoni people should be humane. A quest for lasting peace should begin with lasting justice that is a state for Ogoni. ability is also important and must be taken seriously.
Lastly, Mr. Tinubu’s seeming disposition, particularly how he spoke well of his experience and relationship with some Ogonis during the pro-democracy struggle and expressing understanding of what happened to Ogonis, and how to honor Ogoni martyrs gives a glimpse of hope. The practical work guided by respect for the Ogonis is needed given the fact that the solution to the problem is before us courtesy the Ogoni Bill of Rights.

Below is the core demands stipulated in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR); and for the naysayers, I hope this will rest your misplaced angst as the bill does not and has not at any point included any demand for a country or independence of Ogoni from Nigeria:
(1) Political control of Ogoni affairs by Ogoni people.
(ii) The right to the control and use of a fair proportion of OGONI economic resources for Ogoni development; (iii) Adequate and direct representation as of right in all Nigerian national institutions; (iv) The use and development of Ogoni languages in all Nigerian territory; (v) The full development of Ogoni culture; (vi) The right to religious freedom; and (vii) The right to protect the OGONI environment and ecology from further degradation. We make the above demand in the knowledge that it does not deny any other ethnic group in the Nigerian Federation of their rights and that it can only conduce to peace, justice and fair-play and hence stability and progress in the Nigerian nation. We make the demand in the belief that, as Obafemi Awolowo has written: In a true federation, each ethnic group no matter how small, is entitled to the same treatment as any other ethnic group, no matter how large. We demand these rights as equal of the Nigerian Federation who contribute and have contributed to the growth of the Federation and have a right to expect full returns from that Federation.

Ben Ikari is the author of Ken Saro-Wiwa and MOSOP: The Story and Revelations; The Squirrels and Lions: How Honest Communication Sealed Their Friendship, and Tortoise as the Smartest in Its Kingdom: Intervened During Hunger Crisis.
[email protected]

The present constitution can not allow states to be created. The constitution left by the British allowed on demand state creation after a referendum but this one of 1999 does not. The senate have to be disbanded first to make state creation easy.

lawani:
The present constitution can not allow states to be created. The constitution left by the British allowed on demand state creation after a referendum but this one of 1999 does not. The senate have to be disbanded first to make state creation easy.

The people who made and imposed the fraud known as the "1999 constitution" knew what they were doing. When one reads what has to be done to create a new State, you find out you have more chances of traveling to the moon

gidgiddy:


The people who made and imposed the fraud known as the "1999 constitution" knew what they were doing. When one reads what has to be done to create a new State, you find out you have more chances of traveling to the moon

If they disband the senate, it will be possible. States can then merge or break up as they deem fit. However it is best to end the union

A Senate seat is okay with 50% or more resource control by states.

E no go better for the person wey talk this nonsense

Hello friends,
Thanks for your thoughtful responses. For those who think states can't be created you may be right per the current constitution if state's creation isn't expressly mentioned. It appears the constitution s self-determination and Nigeria being signatory to multiple international instruments including the UN Universal Declaration though records show that the country abstained from voting in of indigenous people's rights. Where the above is at variance then there's the constitutional amendment option as I mentioned in the piece. With constitutional amendment new states can be created as no law also says states can no longer be created. By right, or assuming civilians weren't too corrupt and criminal they would create states that can fend for themselves like Ogoni given its vast resources. All current 36 states were created by the military yet civilian regimes claim to hate the military, which is more organized and disciplined, less corrupt and can manage better insecurity including kidnappings and terrorism that weren't there during military rules?

Ken Saro-Wiwa. And co made igbos their enemies,they ed the north to fight the igbos thinking the igbos were there problem, what is their gain in all the wars the fought against the igbos?

My Brother Mrfeel, I respect your opinion but the way you see it isn't the reality that was. Ojukwu and other Igbos should have done the same thing some Ogonis did if presented with the situation Saro-Wiwa and others faced. Don't forget that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe didn't Biafra as well like many Igbos in government, politics then, and like the Biafran experience now with most Igbo politicians. Sadly, Ogonis were made the scapegoat. Don't forget that Ogonis were also part of Biafra, for example, the Biafran Ambassador to Britain was Ogoni, Chief S.I. Kogbara. The late Dr. G.B. Leton, an Ogoni was the analytical chemist behind the Ogbunigwe killer machine. Did you know that? Frankly, Ogonis weren't against Igbos or Biafra after all they intermarried and do to date. Ogonis who went the other way were simply protecting their interest given their experience at the hands of Igbo s under the Eastern government. But, had Ojukwu and his team respected Ogoni and properly consulted the ethnic nationality and not mainly focused on power and the Ogoni oil as means to his end, the story may have been different. Much of the Ijaws and Ibibios, others in the Easten region were also not consulted. Fearing the unknown they all reached out to the federal government for a possible state creation which was already presented to Ojukwu and his government and was turned down. Gen. Yakubu Gown took advantage and made it a smart strategy to divide the Eastern region as the civil war loomed. This means selfishness and disrespect for the so-called minorities and greed for their oil cost Biafra its intended sedition or country.

Mckary:
My Brother Mrfeel, I respect your opinion but the way you see it isn't the reality that was. Ojukwu and other Igbos should have done the same thing some Ogonis did if presented with the situation Saro-Wiwa and others faced. Don't forget that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe didn't Biafra as well like many Igbos in government, politics then, and like the Biafran experience now with most Igbo politicians. Sadly, Ogonis were made the scapegoat. Don't forget that Ogonis were also part of Biafra, for example, the Biafran Ambassador to Britain was Ogoni, Chief S.I. Kogbara. The late Dr. G.B. Leton, an Ogoni was the analytical chemist behind the Ogbunigwe killer machine. Did you know that? Frankly, Ogonis weren't against Igbos or Biafra after all they intermarried and do to date. Ogonis who went the other way were simply protecting their interest given their experience at the hands of Igbo s under the Eastern government. But, had Ojukwu and his team respected Ogoni and properly consulted the ethnic nationality and not mainly focused on power and the Ogoni oil as means to his end, the story may have been different. Much of the Ijaws and Ibibios, others in the Easten region were also not consulted. Fearing the unknown they all reached out to the federal government for a possible state creation which was already presented to Ojukwu and his government and was turned down. Gen. Yakubu Gown took advantage and made it a smart strategy to divide the Eastern region as the civil war loomed. This means selfishness and disrespect for the so-called minorities and greed for their oil cost Biafra its intended sedition or country.

1) you claim , Ogonis who went the other way were simply protecting their interest given their experience at the hands of Igbo s under the Eastern government, what experience? Tell me what they experience that is worse than their experience with the Federal government?


2) you claim ojukwu and his team were mainly focused on power and the Ogoni oil as means to his end,

Why will you say this , omitting the true facts of things that led to the creation of biafra and the steps ojukwu took previously to prevent that from happening, plus the fact that ojukwu was mandated to declare biafra by the advisory committee of elders not just of igbo ethnicity but from the minority groups in eastern region giving him the go-ahead to declare biafra, nnamdi Azikiwe whom you claim was not in of biafra was in that meeting and gave his full , majority of the people who were against biafra, were in of biafra initially,they only changed allegiance later in the war when they realized biafra was losing the war

And their was no time the minorities in the eastern Nigeria presented a bill for state creation to ojukwu and he turned down , when ojukwu became military governor of the eastern region , one of the first proposal of the consultative assembly was the abolition of the British drawn 29 division of the eastern region to be replaced with 20 province caved along tribal and linguistic lines which ojukwu agreed to , the bill was sponsored by Mr okio arikpo who is from a very small minority in present day Cross river ( ugep Yakurr ) and the provinces were to have a wide degree of autonomy under a civil government so if a small tribe as yakurr was represented why would you think Ogonis were not?

I didn't ignore the history of what brought the war. It's a terrible experience for Igbos in the north. I was focused on what happened during the war but especially the lack of proper consultation before the war which led to the misgivings by some of the so-called minority groups in the Eastern region then. As records have it, Biafra was declared when states were created, and minorities of the Eastern region became separated from the region to become new states in Nigeria. This is why I focused on during the war and the issues leading to states' creation.

First you need to understand that the so-called minorities in the regional arrangement was based on the notion that minorities were lesser of the human class thus must be controlled, dominated by those heading the region. The slave and colonial masters against the slaves and colonies' mentality was more obvious in the East. This made minorities to advocate for state creation, and they tried to convince the Eastern region's government to it so that they can become self-determined and get development close to their communities instead of waiting for every approval from Enugu. Ojukwu and his team didn't it because they didn't want to let go or reduce their control of the minority region considering power and domination alongside the oil wealth. The federal government took advantage when pressured with the demand and war was looming. Regarding the maltreatment or marginalization of minorities, it's widely recorded. Igbos were reportedly in charge of majority of authority including jobs in the region. In Bori Ogoni, for example, there were reports of Igbos having most of the local council jobs. There were also reports of streets including what was called Abriba Quarters which Ogonis were prohibited by Igbos from living or using for daily activities. This was in Ogoni land and not in Igbo land. If young people or anyone went through these streets to sell bananas and other fruits they're chastised, beaten in some cases and their fruits taken from them. It's next to a complete take over like what's happening in Oyigbo where Ogonis pitied some Igbos who were in distress from other Igbos, gave them land to accommodate their distress and they're paying rent. But as time went by and using the instrument of governments, they started growing wings and today claiming the land is theirs. Ogonis have defeated them in courts in Enugu and so forth but they're still occupying and causing conflicts.

Mckary mail me at [email protected]. The old email was hacked and I can no longer access it