The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has reportedly scheduled a closed-door meeting with prominent Ogoni leaders to deliberate on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
According to SaharaReporters, sources indicate that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is spearheading the initiative.
Insider sources reveal that the meeting is set for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with Ribadu’s office overseeing the details, including a two-night stay at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
Invitations were reportedly sent to key Ogoni stakeholders, offering comprehensive travel arrangements, including flights from Port Harcourt to Abuja.
A letter signed by Ribadu’s Special Assistant, Goodluck Ebelo, assured the attendees of well-coordinated logistics and extended the government’s formal invitation.
The letter reads: “I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, I am pleased to invite you, as an important Ogoni stakeholder, to a meeting with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
“Reservations have been made for you at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, for two nights, beginning from Monday. You will soon receive details regarding your flight from Port Harcourt on Monday, January 20, 2025, and other logistics. We look forward to your presence. Should you have any questions, kindly contact us.”
Reports suggest that the meeting, dubbed a “sweet deal” by some insiders, aims to secure the Ogoni leaders’ approval for the resumption of oil exploration in the region.
“This is Nuhu’s invite to Ogoni leaders and the leaders are expected to declare the return of oil exploration in Ogoniland after the sweet deal meeting,” a top source revealed to SaharaReporters on Saturday.
