President Muhammadu Buhari was on Friday at Presidential Villa, conferred with a chieftaincy title, `Menedolenu’ of Ogoni by the traditional ruler of Ogoni land, His Royal Majesty, King G.N.K Gininwa.
The conferment was the highlight of a visit to Buhari by a delegation of the leaders of Ogoni land led by Gininwa.
Speaking to State House correspondents shortly after the event, Sen.Magnus Abe (APC-Rivers South-East) said that essence of the visit was to thank President Buhari for his gestures towards Ogoni people.
“We are supporting the president because of the things he has done for us; we believe that whatever he can do, he will continue to do.
“Today, our Majesty conferred a title on the president, and the title he gave the president is `Menedolenu’ of Ogoni, that is the King that does good things for Ogoni people.
“The president is one of us; he has shown that special relationship with the Ogoni people; there is no condition for whatever the president wants from us,’’ he said.
On his part, De Peter Medee, President, KAGOTE, the apex leadership and Elitist social-cultural organisation of Ogoni, said that Buhari had fulfilled his campaign promise to the Ogoni people.
He said that Buhari promised to ensure that the devastated land in Ogoni land was cleaned, adding that efforts toward the clean up were on top gear.
According to him, Ogoni people are happy that efforts are being made to ensure that remediation starts in Ogoni land.
He said that 50 years after the union of Rivers people, Ogoni earnestly desires to have the opportunity to provide leadership in terms of producing the governor of River State in 2019.
“That is why we are here today; we have come to the seat of power to ensure that the yearnings and aspirations of Ogoni people are met.
“So, we are very grateful because we know very well that the infrastructural need of Ogoni people will be met; especially, the East-West Road which has become a death trap.
“We are very happy that with the commitment of Mr President; as we are going back, efforts will be made to ensure that the road is put back to use.
“We also thank the president for the efforts he has made to put back on track the Bodo-Bonny road; these are critical infrastructure we are very sure will deliver value to Ogoni people.
“We have also pledged to Mr President that the people of Ogoni will continue to give him support come 2019 and any other time he needs support from Ogoni people,’’ he said.
Speaking, Mr Legborsi Pyagbara, President, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSSOP), said that the delegation brought to the attention of Mr President Issues relating to security in Ogoni Land.
He said that they also discussed issues concerning Ogoni in the running of Buhari ’s administration, environmental challenges, modular refineries, oil spillage, pollution, among others.
