KAGOTE has taken note of the statement issued by the Facilitators of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee (ODC) in response to our press conference of 18 August 2026. We have carefully considered the issues raised and believe it is important, in the interest of the Ogoni people and the integrity of this historic process, to clarify our position.
At the outset, one point must be made unequivocally: KAGOTE is not opposed to the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Ogoni Dialogue process, or the responsible resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
On the contrary, KAGOTE has consistently acknowledged and appreciated the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reopen constructive engagement between the Federal Government and the Ogoni people after decades of mistrust, environmental degradation and lost economic opportunities. We equally recognise the important role being played by the National Security Adviser in facilitating a process capable of producing a lasting, peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution.
We regard this renewed engagement as a historic opportunity that should be protected and allowed to succeed.
It is precisely because we want the initiative of the President and the Federal Government to succeed that KAGOTE believes the process must be anchored on transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and public confidence. Where questions arise concerning the conduct of persons participating in the process, asking for clarification should therefore not be interpreted as opposition to Government. Rather, it should be understood as an effort to protect the credibility of the process and ensure that the names and offices of senior government officials are not invoked, without proper authority, to justify actions that may be inconsistent with the intentions of Government.
Unfortunately, rather than directly addressing several of the specific questions raised by KAGOTE, the response of the Facilitators introduces a narrative suggesting that those seeking clarification are engaged in a “sponsored media campaign” or attempting to “discredit and scuttle” the dialogue.
We respectfully disagree with that characterisation.
Asking questions about a process established with the support of the Federal Government is not an attack on the Federal Government. Seeking accountability is not opposition to oil resumption. Calling for transparency is not an attempt to undermine dialogue. Indeed, transparency protects the integrity of Government’s initiative and helps prevent misinformation, suspicion and the misuse of the names of respected public officials.
KAGOTE therefore responds to the substantive issues as follows.
1. ALLEGED INVOCATION OF THE NAME OR AUTHORITY OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER
This remains one of the most important concerns raised in our original statement, and it is necessary to restate our position carefully. KAGOTE did not accuse the National Security Adviser of personally authorising any improper action. We expressly made it clear that we had no basis to conclude that the actions complained of were authorised by the NSA or his Office. It was for precisely this reason that we called for clarification and, where appropriate, verification by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Our concern is therefore intended to protect, rather than diminish, the integrity of the Office of the NSA.
Where the name or authority of a senior government official is invoked in connection with decisions affecting a process as sensitive as the Ogoni Dialogue, there should be no uncertainty about whether such representation was actually authorised. Allowing ambiguity to persist could unfairly associate respected public institutions with decisions they may neither have initiated nor approved.
The response of the Facilitators acknowledges that concerns arose over the initial composition of the Harmonisation Committee and that the representation was subsequently reconstituted. However, some basic questions remain unanswered:
i. Who authorised or approved the original composition?
ii. What criteria were applied in including persons who were not members of the ODC?
iii. Was the name or authority of the Office of the National Security Adviser invoked in arriving at that composition?
iv. If so, by whom, and pursuant to what authority?
These are institutional questions, not accusations against the NSA.
KAGOTE believes that the most effective way to resolve them is through appropriate clarification rather than prolonged media exchanges. Such clarification would strengthen public confidence in both the dialogue process and the good-faith efforts of the Federal Government.
2. THE HARMONISATION COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATION OF OGONI
The Facilitators’ response confirms an important point: there was an initial composition of the Ogoni representation that generated concerns and was subsequently reconstituted.
This development demonstrates why KAGOTE’s request for clarity should not be dismissed.
The more fundamental question is: what is the established procedure for determining who represents the Ogoni side in a joint harmonisation or negotiation process?
A process of such historic significance should not depend solely on personalities, informal arrangements or understandings known only to a few individuals. There should be a clear, credible and appropriately documented procedure that commands the confidence of the constituent groups represented within the ODC and, ultimately, the Ogoni people.
KAGOTE is not advocating the exclusion of any individual. Our concern is that whoever speaks or negotiates on behalf of Ogoni should derive that responsibility from a transparent and legitimate process.
Equally important is proper documentation. Minutes, reports and records of material engagements between representatives of Government and the Ogoni side should, subject to legitimate confidentiality considerations, be available to duly constituted members of the ODC. A collective body cannot function effectively where material information is concentrated in the hands of only a few persons.
3. OIL-RELATED ACTIVITIES IN OGONILAND
The Facilitators state that, to the best of their knowledge, there are no oil and gas production activities directly connected with the Ogoni re-entry programme. They also acknowledge that inquiries concerning reported oil-related activities in Alesa-Eleme and other parts of Ogoniland are ongoing.
KAGOTE’s concern is straightforward.
There is visible public uncertainty regarding oil-related activities presently occurring in parts of Ogoniland while discussions concerning oil resumption are ongoing. That uncertainty should be resolved through clear and authoritative information.
We do not claim to possess information superior to that available to the Federal Government, NNPCL or the relevant regulatory authorities. We simply believe that the Ogoni people deserve clarity as to whether oil-related activities are presently taking place within Ogoniland; the nature and purpose of such activities; the authority under which they are being conducted; and whether they are entirely separate from the matters presently under negotiation.
Providing accurate information would not prejudice the dialogue. It would strengthen it by preventing rumours and misconceptions from filling an information vacuum.
4. CONTRACTS AND CONFIDENCE-BUILDING PROJECTS: THE ISSUE IS TRANSPARENCY
KAGOTE did not contend that the ODC possesses statutory authority to award Federal Government contracts. Our concern relates instead to projects and interventions reportedly conceived or implemented as part of the confidence-building measures discussed within the dialogue process, particularly where ODC members have been requested or expected to participate in monitoring such projects.
Where projects are presented as benefits or interventions arising from the engagement between Government and the Ogoni people, transparency should ordinarily include sufficient information about:
i. the nature and location of the projects;
ii. their scope and implementation framework;
iii. the responsible government ministries, departments or agencies;
iv. the contractors or beneficiaries, where appropriate; and
v. the approved costs and relevant monitoring arrangements.
The fact that the ODC itself does not award contracts does not dispose of these questions. KAGOTE’s position is that government interventions intended for the benefit of the Ogoni people should be visible, verifiable and capable of being collectively monitored. This would not only reassure the people; it would also protect the Federal Government by demonstrating that projects initiated in furtherance of the President’s confidence-building agenda are being implemented for their intended purposes.
5. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We acknowledge the clarification that NNPCL relied upon an existing database of qualified Ogoni applicants and that the ODC did not determine the persons ultimately employed. This clarification is useful, but additional transparency would help eliminate unnecessary speculation.
If, as previously communicated to the ODC, approximately 40 Ogoni youths benefited from employment opportunities, it is legitimate for stakeholders to seek appropriate confirmation of the broad distribution and implementation of that intervention. Relevant information could include the number of positions made available, applicable selection criteria, geographical representation across the Ogoni local government areas and, subject to applicable privacy requirements, appropriate verification that the beneficiaries are indeed eligible Ogoni applicants.
There should be nothing adversarial about this request. Transparency would allow a positive intervention by Government and NNPCL to receive the recognition it deserves while eliminating unnecessary suspicion.
6. INFORMATION SHARING WITHIN THE ODC
This remains one of the central concerns raised by KAGOTE.
The Facilitators have provided a useful account of the history and development of the process, but the question of access by duly appointed ODC members to relevant information remains insufficiently addressed.
Members entrusted with representing communities and constituencies require access to relevant reports, government responses, harmonisation documents and material decisions necessary for them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
An ODC member should not ordinarily learn of major developments affecting the future of Ogoniland through newspaper reports or informal channels.
This is not a demand for unrestricted access to classified or legitimately confidential government information. KAGOTE recognises that sensitive negotiations may sometimes require discretion. Our concern is with material information necessary for duly constituted representatives to understand the progress of negotiations, consult responsibly with their constituencies and participate meaningfully in the process.
A distinction must therefore be maintained between legitimate confidentiality and unnecessary secrecy.
7. GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE ODC REPORT AND THE NEED FOR BROADER CONSULTATION
The Facilitators state that the Federal Government responded to the ODC Report and that a Technical Committee subsequently reviewed the respective positions.
This represents progress and should be acknowledged.
However, if Government has formally responded to proposals presented on behalf of the Ogoni people, members of the ODC should reasonably have appropriate access to the substance of that response and the resulting Technical Committee recommendations.
More importantly, KAGOTE believes that there should be structured engagement with the wider Ogoni community before final and irreversible positions are adopted on matters of profound historical importance.
Those representing Ogoni in the dialogue do not possess an unlimited mandate to make every final decision without reference to the people whose interests they represent. The dialogue derives its legitimacy from the confidence and participation of the Ogoni people.
KAGOTE therefore advocates an appropriate town hall or broader consultative engagement at a suitable stage of the process so that the people can understand what has been proposed, what Government has offered, the areas of convergence or outstanding disagreement, and the broad framework being contemplated for the future.
We also respectfully reject any suggestion that the name of the NSA should be used by anyone as a blanket justification for withholding information that ought properly to be shared. Unless a restriction is expressly imposed by the appropriate authority for legitimate reasons, no participant should casually attribute secrecy requirements to the Office of the NSA. This distinction is important because the National Security Adviser should not be associated with restrictions or decisions that his Office may never have authorised.
The Ogoni struggle carries a unique history of sacrifice, environmental devastation and loss. That history deserves to be treated with dignity. The objective should not be to compare the suffering of Ogoni with that of any other community, but to ensure that the peculiar history of Ogoniland informs the quality, seriousness and inclusiveness of the resolution ultimately reached.
The sacrifices of previous generations will be best honoured by an outcome that is transparent, durable and capable of commanding the confidence of the people.
8. BORI STATE
KAGOTE welcomes every legitimate initiative capable of advancing the collective interests and aspirations of the Ogoni people. We have consistently recognised the demand for Bori State as an important aspiration within Ogoniland.
Any meaningful progress made in this regard should be acknowledged.
However, progress concerning Bori State does not, by itself, answer questions relating to transparency and the administration of other aspects of the dialogue.
Both positions can comfortably coexist: the dialogue may record progress on Bori State and other demands while legitimate questions are simultaneously raised about aspects of its internal processes.
Acknowledging progress in one area should not require silence regarding concerns in another.
9. THE ALLEGATION OF A “SPONSORED MEDIA CAMPAIGN”
KAGOTE considers the suggestion that its intervention constitutes a sponsored campaign to undermine the dialogue both unfortunate and unsupported.
Questions should be answered on their merits. Where any allegation made by KAGOTE is inaccurate, we invite the Facilitators to identify it specifically, provide the relevant facts and place the correct position before the Ogoni people. KAGOTE has no difficulty acknowledging facts where satisfactory explanations are provided.
We have no interest in a media contest with the ODC or its leadership. Nor do we believe that competing press statements will resolve the substantive issues before Ogoniland. Our interest is in facts, clarity and credible answers.
The fact that statements issued by either side receive wide public circulation does not, by itself, establish that a “media war” has been sponsored. The focus should remain on the substance of the questions and the collective interests of the Ogoni people.
10. KAGOTE DOES NOT CLAIM INFALLIBILITY
KAGOTE does not claim to know everything concerning the dialogue. Indeed, the existence of information gaps is one reason questions have become necessary.
Where any assertion made by KAGOTE is conclusively demonstrated to be factually incorrect, we are prepared to acknowledge and correct it.
We believe the same standard of openness and accountability should apply to every participant in a process concerning the collective future of Ogoniland.
The ODC is not bigger than Ogoniland. KAGOTE is not bigger than Ogoniland. MOSOP is not bigger than Ogoniland. The Facilitators are not bigger than Ogoniland. No individual, organisation or committee is bigger than the collective interest of the Ogoni people.
That principle should guide everyone involved.
11. OUR RESPECT FOR THE PRESIDENT AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER REMAINS UNEQUIVOCAL
KAGOTE reiterates its appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the political will demonstrated in reopening substantive engagement with the Ogoni people and creating an opportunity to address issues that have remained unresolved for decades.
This initiative is significant and deserves the cooperation of all well-meaning Ogoni stakeholders.
We equally recognise and appreciate the role of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the considerable responsibility entrusted to his Office in facilitating this sensitive process.
Our concern is precisely that the goodwill and good intentions of the President, the NSA and the Federal Government should not be undermined by inadequate communication, procedural ambiguity, personality-driven decisions or the unauthorised invocation of the names of senior government officials.
Where anyone purports to act on instructions from the President, the NSA or any senior government authority, such representation must be accurate and capable of verification. The respected names and offices of senior government officials must never become instruments through which inappropriate practices, private interests or decisions lacking proper authority are legitimised.
Calling attention to that possibility is not an attack on Government. It is an effort to protect Government and preserve the credibility of the process.
We therefore continue to believe that appropriate intervention and clarification by the NSA, where necessary, would strengthen rather than weaken the dialogue and reassure the Ogoni people that the process remains firmly aligned with the intentions of the Federal Government.
12. KAGOTE SUPPORTS RESPONSIBLE OIL RESUMPTION — BUT THE PROCESS MUST COMMAND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Let there be no ambiguity: KAGOTE is not opposed to the responsible resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
We recognise that, if properly negotiated and responsibly implemented, oil resumption can form part of a broader framework for economic renewal, environmental restoration, employment, infrastructure development and shared prosperity for the Ogoni people and Nigeria.
Our position is that any resumption should be founded upon:
i. credible environmental safeguards;
ii. community confidence and participation;
iii. fairness and equity;
iv. transparency and accountability;
v. security and stability;
vi. meaningful economic participation;
vii. credible and inclusive negotiations; and
viii. clearly defined and sustainable benefits for the Ogoni people.
The painful history of Ogoniland teaches us that the integrity of the process is as important as the eventual outcome.
Oil resumption must not become another source of division among our people. It should instead mark the beginning of a new relationship between Ogoni and the Federal Government — one founded upon trust, justice, development, environmental responsibility and mutual respect.
13. OUR APPEAL: TRANSPARENCY WILL STRENGTHEN, NOT WEAKEN, THE DIALOGUE
We respectfully appeal to the Facilitators and all participants in the process not to interpret every disagreement or request for clarification as an attack on the dialogue. Questions are not sabotage. Constructive criticism is not opposition. Accountability is not hostility. Transparency is not an obstacle to development.
On the contrary, a transparent process is more likely to produce an enduring agreement because an agreement founded upon informed participation and public confidence will command greater legitimacy among the people.
KAGOTE remains willing to engage constructively with the ODC, its Facilitators, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Government and every legitimate Ogoni stakeholder.
• We do not seek confrontation; we seek clarity.
• We do not seek to collapse the dialogue; we seek to strengthen it.
• We do not seek to undermine the Federal Government; we want the historic opportunity created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to succeed.
• We do not oppose responsible oil resumption; we seek a process whose outcome will be sustainable, transparent and beneficial to the Ogoni people.
And we do not ask the Ogoni people to accept KAGOTE’s position merely because KAGOTE has stated it. We ask instead that relevant facts, records, procedures and decisions be sufficiently transparent to enable the people to form their own informed judgments.
14. CLARITY ON THE ROLE OF FACILITATORS
KAGOTE also believes that clarity is required regarding the description and role of those presently speaking as “Facilitators” of the ODC.
Throughout the engagement, participants have had direct experience of the individuals and structures performing various facilitation, coordination and administrative functions, including arrangements relating to meetings and logistics. Where there has been any subsequent change in these responsibilities, it would be helpful for that change to be formally communicated.
This should not become another source of controversy. A simple clarification of roles, mandates and responsibilities would prevent confusion and ensure that statements made in the name of the dialogue are properly understood.
KAGOTE will not speculate about matters that can be established by facts. Where questions arise regarding funding, coordination, facilitation or decision-making structures, the proper response is disclosure through appropriate institutional channels.
15. CONCLUSION: PROTECTING A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY
The renewed engagement between the Federal Government and the Ogoni people represents an opportunity that should not be squandered.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated the political will to confront a difficult historical issue and create a pathway towards reconciliation, development and renewed economic opportunity. The National Security Adviser has been entrusted with an important responsibility in helping to translate that political commitment into a credible engagement process.
KAGOTE wants that effort to succeed. For that reason, we believe every participant has an obligation to protect the process from misinformation, unnecessary secrecy, private interests, procedural uncertainty and, particularly, any unauthorised use of the names or offices of senior government officials to validate actions they may not have approved.
Where such concerns arise, silence does not strengthen Government. Responsible clarification does.
KAGOTE will therefore continue to support peace, constructive dialogue, responsible oil resumption and every genuine initiative directed towards environmental restoration, justice, development and shared prosperity for Ogoniland.
We will equally continue, respectfully and responsibly, to seek clarification whenever matters affecting the collective interest of the Ogoni people require it.
The Ogoni people deserve a process that they can understand, trust and ultimately embrace.
That is not a threat to the Ogoni Dialogue.
It is the foundation upon which a credible, successful and enduring Ogoni settlement must be built.
E-Signed:
Chief Lesi Maol,
President KAGOTE
