Youths from the Babbe community in Ogoniland have voiced their support for the resumption of oil exploration in the region.
They also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the political situation in Rivers State by cautioning the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaehule.
The youths believe these figures are interfering with governance, making it difficult for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to focus on development.
This stance was made clear during the presidential dialogue and consultation committee meeting on oil and gas exploration in Ogoniland, held in Bori on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Speaking at the event, Ogoni youth leader Comrade Effort Ndeesor noted that while they support oil exploration, youths must be actively involved in the process.
He stressed that their participation is crucial to ensuring that decisions made about their communities benefit them directly.
Ndeesor further urged President Tinubu to take action against external interference in the state’s leadership. He warned that no one can remove Governor Fubara, the first elected governor from the Rivers South East senatorial district, and emphasized the need for political stability in the state.
He stated, “Ogonis are united and in solidarity with Opobo people because they are our good neighbours and brothers.”
The youths also expressed their commitment to working with the governor, citing his dedication to the development of Ogoniland and Babbe. Civil society groups in Rivers State echoed similar sentiments.
Solomon Lenu, spokesperson for the Rivers State Civil Society Organisations, noted that Governor Fubara has shown commitment to the region’s progress and should be allowed to govern without distractions.
“We urge our brothers and sisters to give the governor the necessary support and cooperation to succeed. The crisis is not in the best interests of the state or Ogoni people; it’s a distraction that hinders progress,” Lenu said.
In response to ongoing political tensions, Babbe youths, opinion leaders, and civil society groups have vowed to resist any attempts to destabilize the state. They warned that those without the state’s best interests should not create unrest.
Another youth leader, Hon. Prince Felix Lebabari Legbara, strongly condemned what he described as a plot against the democratic choice of Rivers people. He criticized the president’s silence on the matter, stating that it is unacceptable.
Legbara noted that the people of Rivers State have made their decision through the ballot and that their choice must be upheld. He described the interference as a threat to democracy and urged President Tinubu to take action to restore peace and order.
He warned that no one should attempt to take control of Rivers State through the “backdoor,” reaffirming that the people’s decision must be respected.
