Oil Exploration Resumption: Call for Fair Appointment Distribution in Ogoni

With the impending restart of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland, Joe Korka-Waadah, a political management consultant, has urged the Federal Government to ensure fair allocation of its appointments among the four Ogoni local governments: Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme in Rivers State.

Korka-Waadah commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing certain Ogoni indigenes to significant roles, but he believes that the distribution of these appointments must be balanced across all four local councils.

While speaking to reporters in Port Harcourt yesterday, Korka-Waadah, who hails from Ogoni, pointed out that recent federal appointments have disproportionately favored Gokana, leaving individuals from the other three local governments without representation.

He further alleged that a notable state politician was involved in securing appointments solely for his associates, creating an unfair situation.

Korka-Waadah, also the Executive Director of the Compassionate Heart Foundation in Canada, stated that he does not oppose the qualified individuals who were appointed; however, he insisted that the government must promote equitable distribution for the sake of fairness and equity among the Ogoni people.

"Today, we find ourselves discussing an issue that has long evaded attention in this state. Ogoni comprises four local governments: Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme. Lately, however, all federal appointments from Ogoni have been funneled solely to Gokana," Korka-Waadah expressed.

He stressed the need for greater awareness at the federal government level regarding this disparity, saying, "Someone has likely presented these names to the presidency, leading the federal government to mistakenly think that these appointments reflect an equitable spread across Ogoni in preparation for the resumption of oil exploration."

According to Korka-Waadah, the situation is alarming considering that no one from Khana, Tai, or Eleme has received any appointments related to oil exploration. He stated, "I am not suggesting that those appointed should be removed, as they are indeed my brothers; however, the distribution of these positions has been skewed."

In response to queries from journalists, Korka-Waadah called for the complete exoneration of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and nine others who he claimed were wrongfully executed, rather than simply granting them pardons for crimes they did not commit.

He noted that while the community is open to the return of oil exploration, it is crucial for the government to implement the Ogoni Bill of Rights, which he considers essential for the resumption of operations in the region.

Korka-Waadah concluded by stating, "The Ogoni people are not against the federal government's return; however, they demand a straightforward condition: exonerate Ken Saro-Wiwa and nine others who were killed unjustly, and ensure the Ogoni Bill of Rights is put into effect."