The Ogoni Dialogue Committee says it will not sign an agreement on restarting oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State, until community congresses consider the proposals.
Committee member Pius Kii, judicial vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, said members had agreed to harmonise the proposed memorandum of understanding with the federal government before submitting it to the communities.
The congresses are intended to give residents across the four Ogoni local government areas a say in the agreement. Council chairmen have been assigned to consult and sensitise their communities ahead of the gatherings.
The committee discussed the proposals at a meeting in Port Harcourt. Kii said council chairmen had reported progress with the consultations.
The committee also called for work to resume on confidence-building projects, including the Eleme section of the East-West Road. Member Innocent Barikor said completing the projects would help restore confidence in the dialogue.
After the council chairmen complete their consultations, the harmonised draft is to go before the local government congresses for consideration.
Sources: The Nation; Channels Television
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