Attempt to Resume oil Production in Ogoniland, Affront and Disregard of people’s right- CSOs Insist

By Ekemini Simon
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has described as an affront by the Federal government of Nigeria to resume oil extraction in Ogoni land, Rivers State.
The Coalition in a statement signed by Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative, Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria, South-South Youths Initiative, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Environmental Rights Action, Peace Point Development Foundation and 15 others said resuming oil.production in a region which is already ravaged by environmental neglect will further exacerbates the suffering of the people and is an affront on their right to a safe environment even as it disregards their right to free, prior, and informed consent a fundamental principle under international law.
The group in the statement noted that the office of the National Security Adviser to the President, Mr Nuhu Ribadu had invited some Ogoni leaders and stakeholders to a private meeting in Abuja to discuss the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
While noting that it is insensitive for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to open any form of discussion with handpicked group of Ogoni leaders for such talks, it said Ogoniland has been a symbol of environmental degradation caused by decades of reckless oil exploitation and decrepit equipment with the extractive industry and government failing to show commitment in the remediation of the environment.
The group demanded the government to halt all plans for resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland until there is meaningful consultation with the Ogoni people and full remediation of the damaged environment.
They insisted 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.
Part of the statement reads “One trillion United States Dollars should be earmarked for immediate clean up 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-Memorial Bus sculpture held by Nigeria Customs since 2015. Full Implementation of the UNEP Report and ensuring that the clean-up and restoration of Ogoniland are prioritised and carried out transparently and effectively.
“More funding should be allocated to HYPREP to hasten up their actions on the clean up. Ensure justice for the Ogoni People by addressing historical grievances, including compensation for environmental and economic losses and accountability for decades of ecological destruction.”
The group stressed the need for the government to guarantee the community to participate in the decisions that affect Ogoniland, and follow the respect for the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the communities.
They demanded that the government hold oil companies, particularly Shell, accountable for past environmental damages and human rights violations.
The group asked for the demilitarization of the Niger Delta and an end to the intimidation and harassment of environmental activists and local communities.
They demanded strict regulations on oil companies operating in Nigeria and the
halt to all discussions on divestment until the polluted Niger Delta region is cleaned up.
The statement added “Transitioning to renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels to mitigate environmental harm. The contemplated resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland poses a significant threat to the fundamental human rights of the Ogoni people and negates Nigeria’s effort at tackling climate change.
” These include the right to a clean and healthy environment, the right to health, and the right to life. Any attempt to impose extractive activities without addressing these historical injustices will only deepen the mistrust between the government, oil companies, and local communities. 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. We stand in solidarity with the Ogoni people in their fight for justice and sustainable development.”