The President General of notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has debunked reports of a planned protest against TotalEnergies, saying the Congress remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement in resolving issues.
Amb. Ibe made the clarification following calls and inquiries from security agencies and stakeholders over information that the ONC was planning to protest against TotalEnergies on July 30.
In a statement on behalf of the ONC leadership, Amb. Ibe said the Congress does not intend to embark on any protest against TotalEnergies or any other company operating in Orashi land.
“On behalf of the leadership of Orashi National Congress, ONC, I wish to state that our peaceful disposition to resolving issues has not changed,” he said.
“Security agencies and stakeholders have reached out following information that the Congress is planning to protest against TotalEnergies on 30th July. The ONC wishes to inform the relevant authorities that the threat of protest did not emanate from the leadership as ably led by Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe.”
The ONC President General stated that the purported protest threat came from Comrade Prince Ene Believe (Provost Marshal), and not from the recognized leadership of the Congress, and should therefore be disregarded.
He emphasized that the ONC believes in industrial harmony and in maintaining good working relationships with any organization doing business within its area.
“We value peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with stakeholders, including oil and gas companies operating in our domain. Any attempt to use the name of ONC to instigate unrest is not authorized and does not represent the position of the Congress,” Amb. Ibe added.
Amb. Ibe urged members of the Congress, host communities, and youths to remain calm and to channel grievances through the proper channels of dialogue rather than confrontation.
He also reaffirmed ONC’s commitment to partnering with government agencies and corporate organizations to promote development, job creation, and environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta.
The Congress called on security agencies to take note of the clarification and to engage only with the duly recognized leadership of the ONC on matters affecting Orashi communities.