…sends a Save-Our -Soul to FG/security agents over alleged herdmen attacks in area
Members of Ogoni Peoples Assembly (OPA), have suggested some workable measures to the Federal Government (FG), that if adopted would fast track oil resumption in Ogoniland.
There is no gain saying that oil exploration was suspended in Ogoniland over 30 years ago following unresolved crisis between them and the International oil Company operating in the area, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
The issues were related to oil spill/ pollution and its consequential environmental degradation.
The event led to the death of many persons in Ogoniland , including their Leaders, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others.
The barred Shel from further operations in the area.
However efforts by succeeding governments to resume production in the erea have continued to hit brick wall.
The people have insisted that thwi4 messed up environment must be cleaned up and that exploration in the area must be on their own terms.
The OPA, an elitists group in a statement to mark Nigeria at 64 yesterday listed some measures that could end the lingering disagreements and pave way for oil resumption activities in the communities.
In the test issued in Port Harcourt, the State capital, l yesterday, they noted that building of refinery facility in each of the six oil fields in the area, replication of Bonny Liquefied Natural Gas plant, establishment of Environment University in Ogoniland, among others would pacify the people to allow smooth and peaceful operations in the place.
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The document was jiontly signed by the group Leader Rev. Probel Williams and the Secretary, Dr. Evidence Enoch.
The people noted that Ogoni people are free minded and are open for meaningful discussion with the government.
They condmned the situation where efforts are being made to re-enter the area through the backdoor, describing it as suspect and infantile.
They said, “The clandestine and nocturnal approach to oil resumption is both suspect and infantile. What happens to conventional dislogue, negotiation, lobbying, round-table discussion, compensation, reconciliation, reintegration and restoration of the people, land and glory of Ogoni?” they queried.
“Oil operability models and global best practices do exist as templates to adumbrate, modify, and adopt as fit-for-purpose, and this again after consideration of exoneration, and the demands of the Ogoni people as enshrined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights(OBR).
“Consultations, engagements, negotiation, recounciliation, reintegration, and rehablitation of the lands and people of Ogoni are paramount.
“Ogoni is indeed a gas-field with associated oll. What about a re-entry plan predicated on prior establishment of a world class Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Plant in Ogoni, University of Environment, and refinery in each of the six oilfields of Ogoni as sorry/ compensation gifts, for the years of neglect and devastation.
“Whereas Ogoni is open to sincere conversations, the unlikely attempt at forceful usurpation and occupation will only deepen the already deep gulf of genocide and extermination of a people with a messianic covenant, an absolute impossibility”.
Also the grpup decried the alleged invasion, attacks/killing of residents of the area by suspected Herdsmen rampaging the communities forests.
The people in a Save-Our-Soul (SOS), document to the FG and Security agencies appealed for quick intervention to stame the tide as soon as possible, to avoid their resprting to self defence.
“The recent attacks on Ogoni special areas of Agbeta in Eleme Local Government Area, Tai and Khana Council areas by suspected herdsmen are just too many. We therefore send a Save-our-soul(SOS), to the security agencies to rise to the occasion and come to our aid.
“Ogoni, bleeds yet again, and cries for the right to live and let live. May we not be forced to seek self-help.”
The people noted that Ogoni people are peaceful, law abiding and resolute. They urged the attackers to learn from history and retrace their steps from the further invasion, attacks on the people.