…Ogoni threaten to shutdown process demand justice for Saro-Wiwa, 8 Others
By Our Reporter
The people of Ogoni from the different communities that make up Ogoniland have staged a protest in Bori Community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers over the alleged hijack of oil resumption process by politicians with selfish interest camouflaging themselves as defenders of the Ogoni cause.
The peaceful protest, which had as participants Ogoni and groups that are in support of the oil resumption plan of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, condemned the direction of discussion for ignoring development issues in Ogoniland.
The protesters insisted that for the on-going oil resumption plan to succeed in Ogoni, it must be driven by MOSOP – the grass root movement which led the protests that ousted Shell from Ogoni in 1993.
They decried a situation wherein the discussions on oil resumption is being driven by politicians who imposed themselves on the people, but lack their support, noting that such persons have tactically avoided the development blueprint prepared by the Movement for the Support of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) for oil resumption.
The protesters stressed that it was wrong for politicians to sideline the Ogoni Development Authority development blueprint prepared by MOSOP, considering that the apex Ogoni group had used it to convince the people of a mutually beneficial outcome for them and the Federal Government.
responsible to be held accountable. We will not accept any decision that is imposed on us without our input. We will resist any attempt to marginalize us or to ignore our rights.”
Emmanuel urged former MOSOP president, Barr. Ledum Mitee, to choose between supporting the federal government or the Ogoni people if he wishes to lead the discussion on oil resumption.
“You cannot serve two masters. You must choose which side you are. If you want to lead the discussion, you must be on the side of the Ogoni people,” he said.
The protest and subsequent press conference highlighted the Ogoni people’s determination to seek justice and environmental restoration in their region. As one of the protesters’ placards read, “No exoneration, no oil resumption in Ogoniland.”
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