Ogoni leaders have insisted that the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State, must be preceded by adequate community consultations and the fulfilment of key development commitments by the Federal Government.

The position was taken by the 35-member Ogoni Dialogue Committee at a meeting in Port Harcourt, where members reviewed ongoing engagements with the Federal Government on the proposed return of oil exploration to the area.

The committee resolved not to sign the proposed Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, until credible and transparent congresses are conducted across the four Ogoni local government areas to obtain the views and consent of the people.

It also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate its commitment to the peace process by delivering on agreed development projects, particularly the construction of the Eleme section of the East-West Road.

A member of the committee, Professor Innocent Barikor, said the completion of the project would help rebuild confidence and demonstrate the Federal Government’s sincerity in addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people.

The GbeneMene of Tai Kingdom and Convener of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Samuel Nnee, called for unity among committee members to ensure that the dialogue produces an acceptable outcome.

He acknowledged the roles of President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, in the engagement process.

Similarly, the King of Eleme, King Philip Osaro Obele, stressed the importance of protecting the collective interests of Ogoni communities through inclusive consultations.

The Judicial Vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt and Senior Lecturer at Rivers State University, Monsignor Pius Kii, said the committee remained committed to supporting efforts towards an acceptable resolution of the dispute.

He added that the proposed MoU would be harmonised before being presented to the various local government congresses for consideration.

The development underscores the continuing demand by Ogoni stakeholders for community participation, environmental safeguards and tangible development commitments before oil exploration resumes in the area.