*Condemns killing in parts of Ogoni

*Calls for transparency, fairness in crude exploration talks

By Daniel Abia

As tension continues to dominate the ongoing peace dialogue in Ogoniland, prior to the federal government’s oil resumption plan, Babbe community in Khana local government area of Rivers state has warned against any sinister action that may harm prominent indigenes of the area.

The community through Babbe Advancement Forum, BAF, particularly rallied support for members of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, including Rev. Msgr. Pius Kii and KAGOTE Second Vice President and Rear Admiral John Nicholas Bakpo (rtd.), commending them for what it described as their courage, integrity and commitment to justice, transparency and the collective interest of Ogoni.

In a statement jointly signed and issued by Elder Emmanuel Aanee Convener and Mr. Benedict Kinakah Co-Convener in Port Harcourt on sunday, Babbe Advancement Forum (BAF) praised Kii and Bakpo for speaking out on concerns surrounding the Ogoni Dialogue process.

“We will not sit back and watch our sons become victims simply because they have spoken against injustice, demanded transparency or asked questions about decisions being taken in the name of the Ogoni people,” the Forum said.

The statement said that BAF aligned itself with the positions of KAGOTE President, Chief Lesi Maol, Rev. Msgr. Pius Kii and Rear Admiral Bakpo, particularly with regard to their call for greater transparency, accountability, proper consultation and appropriate sequencing of the Ogoni oil resumption negotiations.

The Forum demanded clarification over the alleged inclusion of individuals who were not members of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee in a harmonization arrangement purportedly linked to the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuru Ribadu.

The group also demanded full disclosure regarding the confidence-building interventions, including employment opportunities reportedly provided to Ogoni youths through the NNPCL, as well as the criteria used for selecting beneficiaries and distributing the opportunities among the four Ogoni local government areas.

It called for clear and transparent criteria for the distribution of projects across Ogoniland, insisting that every community should be able to understand why particular projects were selected and where they were located.

BAF further demanded clarity over reports of oil-related activities already taking place in parts of Ogoniland while negotiations are ongoing.

The Forum maintained that the proposed resumption of oil production must be preceded by meaningful negotiations capable of securing the long-term interests of the Ogoni people.

According to the group, oil resumption must not become a reason to sacrifice transparency, equity, environmental responsibility or the legitimate aspirations of Ogoni communities.

BAF said it supported dialogue and responsible economic development but insisted that decisions affecting the future of Ogoni must not be concluded behind closed doors or imposed on the people .

The Forum also expressed deep concern over the persistent killings and insecurity in Bori and other parts of Khana Local Government Area, describing Bori as the commercial and administrative heart of Khana whose security directly affects every community in the area, including Babbe.

BAF however condemned the recent killings in Bori, including the murder of Phillip Barikui, an aide to the Executive Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr. Bariere Thomas, and another victim who reportedly died from gunshot injuries sustained during the attack.

The group described the situation as unacceptable and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

BAF also called for the immediate review of the deployment of security personnel in Khana, particularly officers who have allegedly remained in the same area for between 10 and 25 years.

The Forum urged the relevant authorities to consider redeploying personnel who have spent prolonged periods in the area and bringing in fresh officers with renewed energy, professionalism and commitment to tackle insecurity.

BAF commended Dr. Bariere Thomas for his courage and leadership in the face of the recent attacks and condoled with him and the families of the deceased.

The Forum urged the Khana chairman not to be deterred by the attacks but to remain focused on his responsibility to the people, while working closely with security agencies to restore peace and confidence across the local government area.

BAF maintained that security, justice, transparency and development are interconnected and must be pursued simultaneously.

The Forum therefore called on the Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the leadership of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee to urgently address the concerns raised by stakeholders and restore confidence in the dialogue process.