President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday told the leaders of Ogoniland that the wounds of the past cannot be healed if the people continue to be angry.
The President also assured them that his administration would prioritize peace, justice, and sustainable development in the area.
Speaking at a meeting at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu passionately called for unity and reconciliation, urging the Ogoni people to set aside historical grievances and work together to achieve peace, development, and a clean environment.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the President as saying: “We cannot in any way rewrite history, but we can correct some anomalies of the past going forward. We cannot heal the wounds if we continue to be angry.”
President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate the negotiations as he called for inclusive consultation and mutual understanding.
He commended the delegation for embracing the Federal Government-led dialogue and emphasized the need for collaboration, trust, and inclusiveness to resolve lingering issues in the region.
“We must work together with mutual trust. Go back home, do more consultations, and embrace others. We must make this trip worthwhile by bringing peace, development, and a clean environment back to Ogoniland,” President Tinubu said.
He asked ministers, the NNPCL, and the Rivers State Government to cooperate with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to achieve this mandate.
“It is a great honor for me to have this meeting, which is an opportunity to dialogue with the people of Ogoniland.