From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
A group of concerned civil society organisations in the Niger Delta has condemned in very strong terms the planned resumption of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland.
The groups, in a communique after a meeting, while recognising Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuel, declared that it is insensitive for the current Nigerian administration to open any form of discussion with a handpicked group of Ogoni leaders for such talks, noting that the overall will of the majority of Ogonis is paramount.
They further expressed their unequivocal condemnation of the planned resumption of oil exploration and production activities in Ogoniland, stressing that such action disregards the enduring environmental, social, and economic injustices faced by the Ogoni people and undermines efforts towards sustainable development, environmental justice, community empowerment, and cleanup of the devastated environment.
The groups stated that Ogoniland has been a symbol of environmental degradation caused by decades of reckless oil exploitation and decrepit equipment.
According to them, they had expected that the current administration would have called for a multi-stakeholder meeting in Ogoniland to listen to the plight of the Ogonis and agree with them on how best to tackle the poverty and hunger occasioned by their loss of livelihoods caused by years of pollution and resultant poisoning of their land and waters.
They have therefore demanded an immediate halt of all plans for the resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland until there is meaningful consultation with the Ogoni people and full remediation of the damaged environment.
The groups pointed out that the resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland is not only a betrayal of the Ogoni struggle but also a threat to the environment and future generations, and a false hope that colonial extractivism promotes positive development.
The communique read in part: ‘’That not one more oil well should be drilled in the Niger Delta and the government, and the oil companies should commence immediate and total cleanup of the region.
‘’One trillion United States Dollars should be earmarked for immediate cleanup of the Niger Delta and compensation for loss of livelihoods.
‘’Immediate review of the Kangaroo Military trial and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa with other martyrs and their exoneration.
‘’Immediate and unconditional release of the confiscated Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Bus sculpture held by Nigeria Customs since 2015.
‘’Full implementation of the UNEP Report and ensuring that the cleanup and restoration of Ogoniland are prioritised and carried out transparently and effectively.
‘’More funding should be allocated to HYPREP to hasten their actions on the cleanup.
‘’Ensure justice for the Ogoni people by addressing historical grievances, including compensation for environmental and economic losses and accountability for decades of ecological damage.
‘’Demilitarisation of the Niger Delta and an end to the intimidation and harassment of environmental activists and local communities.
‘’Halt all discussions on divestment until the polluted Niger Delta region is cleaned up.’’