Iruoma Okpalaebubu
Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has urged the Federal Government to earmark $1trillion for immediate clean up of the degraded Niger Delta environment and compensation for loss of livelihoods.
This came as President Bola Tinubu meets with Ogoni leaders, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders from the State on the proposed exploration of crude oil in Ogoniland.
In a statement signed by a coalition of 16 CSOs, yesterday, the groups insisted that attempt to resume oil extraction in the region already ravaged by environmental neglect further exacerbates the suffering of the people and is a affront on their right to a safe environment.
The groups that signed the statement include; Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative, Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria, South South Youths Initiative, Peoples Advancement Centre, Environmental Rights Action, Kebetkache women development centre, Social Action, Lekeh Development Centre and Rainbowwatch Development Centre.
Others signatory to the statement are Kallop Humanitarian and Environmental Centre, Pilex Centre, Oilwatch Nigeria, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, We The People, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa and Rights Advocacy and Development Centre.
The coalition who described themselves as concerned civil society organisations in the Niger Delta met at the Port Harcourt office of Environmental Rights Action to deliberate on the recent invitation for a private meeting in Abuja to discuss the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
They condemned the nations dependence on fossil fuel, saying “It is however insensitive for this administration to open any form of discussion with handpicked group of Ogoni leaders for such talks”, noting that the overall will of the majority of Ogonis is paramount in the resumption matter.
The groups expressed their unequivocal condemnation of the planned resumption of oil exploration and production activities in Ogoniland.
They expressed that the decision disregards the enduring environmental, social, and economic injustices faced by the Ogoni people and undermines efforts toward sustainable development, environmental justice, community empowerment and cleanup of the devastated environment.
However, among the demands by the CSOs includes, that the federal government should “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.
“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 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.
“Holding oil companies, particularly Shell, accountable for past environmental damages and human rights violations. Demilitarisation of the Niger Delta and an end to the intimidation and harassment of environmental activists and local communities.”
They also demanded “Enforcing strict regulations on oil companies operating in Nigeria. Halt all discussions on divestment until the polluted Niger Delta region is cleaned up”.
The coalition added that “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”.