JUST IN: Ex-Freedom Fighter Repeats Call For Relocation of IOCs’ Operational HQs to Niger Delta

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

Prominent former agitator and commander, General Godday Smith, popularly known as “Bounanaowei, King of the Forest,” has renewed calls for the relocation of the operational headquarters of both international and indigenous oil companies to the Niger Delta.

Gen. Smith, who is also the Paramount Ruler of Ogobiri Mein Kingdom, Agadagba III, said the demand was part of the conditions agreed upon during the federal government’s ceasefire negotiations. He noted that the issue, along with others, has been treated with levity since 2009 and again since 2018.

In an exclusive interview with Congress correspondents, the ex-freedom fighter warned that the continued delay in implementing key demands of MEND and the Niger Delta Avengers could create room for renewed armed struggle in the region.

He accused the Nigerian government of politicizing the region’s most critical demands, stressing that bringing IOC headquarters to the Niger Delta would attract development, employment, and other opportunities to host communities.

According to him, despite years of ceasefire, the Niger Delta remains underdeveloped, with residents living in poverty, lacking electricity and good road networks.

Gen. Smith called on all leaders of the struggle to speak with one voice to pressure the federal government and multinational and indigenous oil companies to relocate their operational headquarters to the region.

He also urged top Niger Delta leaders to convene a unity conference where all concerned ex-fighters can harmonize positions and advance the collective interest of the region.