The pronouncement by some Ogoni stakeholders that Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike will lead a multi-consultative forum to discuss with Federal Government on the planned resumption of oil production in OML 11, has continued to draw criticisms of Ogoni environmental activists as another outspoken activist, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface has also joined arms with other activists to fire canon shots at the idea of choosing the governor to lead the delegation.
Renowned environmental activist, Celestine Akpobari, had on Thursday criticised the modus operandi by which the governor, an Ikwerre indigene, was favoured over other prominent Ogoni sons and daughters in the state.
Fyneface, in opposing the choice of the governor, described it as ill-considered.
He said the governor was an interested party as well as not in good terms with the federal government and that he cannot drive a process of this nature.
” So, can an interested person in a bid or someone who had acquired part of the subject lead the process of another entity taking over same process?, he queried.
He recalled that on September 30, 2019, Governor Wike made a statewide broadcast on that Rivers state government under his watch had acquired SHELL’S OML11 with $150 million asset acquisition bid among others.
He expressed fear that there could be conflict of interest if the governor was involved in leading the delegation.
“I see conflict of interest, lack of transparency and accountability, lopsided bargain, facial discussion devoid of proper presentation of the issues of those who died for the cause among many others.It is a wrong decision to discuss this issue through political eye and choice of a man not in one hundred percent good terms with the federal government to drive a process of this nature that has international label through the Ogoni 9 and 4. The choice is ill-considered and only time will vindicate people like us”.
