Ogoni leaders roll out demands
THE Ogoni General Assembly 2018 has implored government, oil companies and others to redress the marginalisation of the area and its people to ensure justice and peace. In a communiqué after a meeting I Bori, the leaders of the oil-producing area said: “We the generality of the Ogoni people – men, women, youths, children, leaders of thought, professionals, and natural rulers, cutting across the whole spectrum of the Ogoni population from Babbe Kingdom, Eleme Kingdom, Gokana Kingdom, NyoKhana Kingdom, Ken-khana Kingdom, Tai Kingdom, Bori Urban Territory to Ban-ogoi Special Area, having observed with keen interest the activities of multinational oil companies and some institutions/agencies of the Federal Government in Ogoniland in recent times and their impacts on the Ogoni people. “DETERMINED to assert our rights within the framework of the (just) laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international law in pursuit of our dreams and aspirations of a better Ogoniland for which thousands of Ogoni people paid the supreme price under excruciating pain, torture and suffering – an Ogoniland anchored on freedom, equality and justice. “NOTING the efforts, sacrifices and contributions of the Ogoni hero, author, human/ environmental rights crusader, Ken Saro Wiwa, and his fellow martyrs-in-struggle, which should not be in vain, undermined and compromised under a democratic system they fought to enthrone. “DISTURBED by the void in visionary leadership experienced in Ogoni affairs in recent times, and more particularly, in championing the Ogoni cause in the example of our forebears by challenging every action and policy which are inimical to the collective interests of the Ogoni people, strategically, constructively, transparently and non-violently to actualize the hopes of the Ogoni people.
“REALIZING that the generality of the Ogoni people are yearning for a credible, transparent and proactive leadership, in the face of changing trends and seeking ways to preserve the Ogoni heritage and foster the Ogoni Agenda, the Ken Saro Wiwa Associates (KSWA - an organization co-founded by the late Kenule Bornaale Saro Wiwa Jnr, with international appeal and committed to the actualization of the ideals and the consolidation of the legacies of his father, Ken Saro Wiwa – the chief architect of the Ogoni agenda) took notice of our dissatisfaction and proposed the Ogoni General Assembly, with a view to listening to the people, appraising methodologies and galvanizing support for the renewal of the Ogoni agenda in the quest for social, economic and environmental justice within the Nigerian State.”
Among those who signed the communiqué are: Teeh Kabari O.PAgara Akeeyorviiofgborkpara, Kaanibori-urban, Ogoniland, Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee, OGA; Comrade Emmanuel M.Z Aluzim, Neezaasiadorn Pyaogoni, Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee, OGA and Chief Gani Topba, Nationalcoordinator, KSWA, Convener, Ogoni General Assembly