THE people of Ogoni have again enjoined the Federal Government to ensure that oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, does not resume operations in the area.
National Coordinator, Ken Sarowiwa Associates, Chief Gani Tobpa, in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, also called on companies intending to operate OML 11 to disclose how they will protect Ogoni communities from another round of environmental pollution, adding that they should also indicate how they would create a robust economy for the people.
“Ken Saro Wiwa Associates condemns in strong terms the continued romance among the Federal Government, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and SPDC with respect to oil exploration activities in OML 11.
We call on the Federal Government to revoke the Oil Mining Lease given to SPDC. “Any company that intends to continue the development of OML 11 must present its statement on how to protect Ogoni environment and strategies at engaging Ogoni people in meaningful economic activities arising from their operations,” h Such plans shall be make public and available to encourage the mediation process in Ogoni land.”, Otobpa added.
The statement further flayed delay on the part of the federal government to effectively implement the clean up program of polluted communities in the area over one year after it flagged off the exercise.
Chief Tobpa said commencement of the exercise would encourage mediation for resumption of oil exploration activities in the area.
“Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates is also aware of the apparent sluggish position of the Nigerian Government in Cleaning Up Ogoni Land as advised by the United Nations Environmental Pragramme (UNEP) Report of 2011. After six years nothing can be evidently seen.”, he said.
