The people of Ogoni in Rivers State have demanded for compensation
from the federal government and oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as a result of the irreversible devastation
done to the environment, health, and livelihood of the Ogoni.
This was part of their position during a visit to President
Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
The visit was sequel to a letter by Senator Abe, representing
Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, requesting
President Jonathan to grant the people audience with a view to chart ways of
addressing issues concerning them.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the senator said;
“Considering the irreversible devastation done to the environment, health, and
livelihood of the Ogoni by the petroleum industry as scientifically
demonstrated in the UNEP report, the Ogoni people hereby ask for compensation
from the Federal Government and Shell without delay.”
He solicited support of the Presidency and National Assembly in
the quest for the creation of Bori State, saying that Ogonis see the creation
of the state as a necessity, since according to him “the people are
economically viable with abundant natural resources”.
Senator Abe maintained that, “State creation has been a major tool
for enhancing a sense of belonging and promoting development by groups that
feel marginalized. It is an important means of strengthening federalism,
though; economic viability should also be an important criterion.”
“Such a state will include other ethnic groups in the South-East
Senatorial District in Rivers State and will also complement the national
economy as the oil and gas resources of the area will enhance the national
budget.”
The senator called on the federal government to engage Ogoni
youths in the surveillance of petroleum pipelines and other oil and gas
installations in the Niger Delta region.
This, according to him, represents another opportunity for
productive engagement of Ogoni youths adding that Ogoni people should be made
to protect the pipeline and other oil installations located in their territory.
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