₦airaland Forum

On This Ogoni Bill of Rights' Day: Congrats to Ogonis, Friends and Supporters!

On August 26, 1990, marking the 35th Anniversary today, the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) demand was drafted, agreed to by Ogoni chiefs, elders, people and signed into a binding testament. This uniquely designed and placed testament denies no group or entity, not the Nigerian federation nor its agencies any right, natural, constitutional and institutional, real, imaginary or implied.

Therefore, let it be known and declared boldly, loudly and consistently that neither the Nigerian federation nor any constituent state, governments, representatives or otherwise have made any oral, written or encrypted arguments or positions challenging or contradicting the just demand enshrined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights.

The reason is simple. The Bill contains the righteous demand of the oppressed people of Ogoni, Africa that centers on local Political Autonomy within the framework of Nigeria. And this demand is extant, as evident in the country's current 36 states, most of which are ethnic-based and were created by military fiat using largely Ogoni and Ijaw oil for their development.

Political Autonomy is a structural foundation and mobile governmental mechanism for homogeneous and heterogeneous groups' sustainable development, growth, happiness, peace and coexistence.

Unfortunately, Nigeria and its successive governments and administrations took offense over a demand that is already in practice because a small ethnic group skipped docile tradition and summed the courage, temerity to make such honest, constitutional and community oriented demand upon the federation.

This is especially because the small and once considered insignificant people of Ogoni have oil and gas which Nigeria, imperial Shell Oil and its foreign corporate and government conspirators have unjustly, inhumanely and criminally exploited by forceful land expropriation using draconian decrees and laws.

The heart of the effrontery to Nigeria and its criminal gangs was that Ogonis stop the flow of the nature endowed oil which was extracted for 35 years and while billions and trillions were made by Nigeria and Shell Oil, Chevron and other international syndicates and governments Ogonis were left poor, hungry, sick and dying in imposed environmental pollution and degradation.

35 years later nothing has changed for the oppressed people of Ogoni rather the land remains hydrocarbons charged, yet another Indian BOPA waiting to explode as Nigeria and its international oil syndicates have not ceased but determined to resume oil and gas operations without adequate safeguards such as a state for the Ogonis, proper cleanup and the restoration of the land and people.

The world must note therefore that the people of Ogoni are pushed back to the 1993 heat of the moment when they united under the wise, bold and courageous, strategic leadership of Ken Saro-Wiwa, MOSOP, Dr. G. B. Leton, Chief Edward Kobani and other intelligent and focused, determined Ogoni elders and youths, women and men.

Consequently, Ogonis will resist again but peacefully and non-violently as historically known until the Political Autonomy demand of the Ogoni Bill of Rights upon which other demands predicate has been ceded to Ogoni!

Bee Ogoni Naa Le' A'pe...The Name of Ogoni Shall never Perish!

Thanks to Ken Saro-Wiwa, MOSOP, other martyred Ogonis and Ogonis living and supporters for the courage, sacrifice, and hard-work!

Respectfully,
Comrade Ben Ikari, author of Ken Saro-Wiwa and MOSOP: The Story and Revelation…

First you need to understand that the so-called minorities in the regional arrangement was based on the notion that minorities were lesser of the human class thus must be controlled, dominated by those heading the region. The slave and colonial masters against the slaves and colonies' mentality was more obvious in the East. This made minorities to advocate for state creation, and they tried to convince the Eastern region's government to support it so that they can become self-determined and get development close to their communities instead of waiting for every approval from Enugu. Ojukwu and his team didn't support it because they didn't want to let go or reduce their control of the minority region considering power and domination alongside the oil wealth. The federal government took advantage when pressured with the demand and war was looming. Regarding the maltreatment or marginalization of minorities, it's widely recorded. Igbos were reportedly in charge of majority of authority including jobs in the region. In Bori Ogoni, for example, there were reports of Igbos having most of the local council jobs. There were also reports of streets including what was called Abriba Quarters which Ogonis were prohibited by Igbos from living or using for daily activities. This was in Ogoni land and not in Igbo land. If young people or anyone went through these streets to sell bananas and other fruits they're chastised, beaten in some cases and their fruits taken from them. It's next to a complete take over like what's happening in Oyigbo where Ogonis pitied some Igbos who were in distress from other Igbos, gave them land to accommodate their distress and they're paying rent. But as time went by and using the instrument of governments, they started growing wings and today claiming the land is theirs. Ogonis have defeated them in courts in Enugu and so forth but they're still occupying and causing conflicts.

I didn't ignore the history of what brought the war. It's a terrible experience for Igbos in the north. I was focused on what happened during the war but especially the lack of proper consultation before the war which led to the misgivings by some members of the so-called minority groups in the Eastern region then. As records have it, Biafra was declared when states were created, and minorities of the Eastern region became separated from the region to become new states in Nigeria. This is why I focused on during the war and the issues leading to states' creation.

My Brother Mrfeel, I respect your opinion but the way you see it isn't the reality that was. Ojukwu and other Igbos should have done the same thing some Ogonis did if presented with the situation Saro-Wiwa and others faced. Don't forget that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe didn't support Biafra as well like many Igbos in government, politics then, and like the Biafran experience now with most Igbo politicians. Sadly, Ogonis were made the scapegoat. Don't forget that Ogonis were also part of Biafra, for example, the Biafran Ambassador to Britain was Ogoni, Chief S.I. Kogbara. The late Dr. G.B. Leton, an Ogoni was the analytical chemist behind the Ogbunigwe killer machine. Did you know that? Frankly, Ogonis weren't against Igbos or Biafra after all they intermarried and do to date. Ogonis who went the other way were simply protecting their interest given their experience at the hands of Igbo administrators under the Eastern government. But, had Ojukwu and his team respected Ogoni and properly consulted the ethnic nationality and not mainly focused on power and the Ogoni oil as means to his end, the story may have been different. Much of the Ijaws and Ibibios, others in the Easten region were also not consulted. Fearing the unknown they all reached out to the federal government for a possible state creation which was already presented to Ojukwu and his government and was turned down. Gen. Yakubu Gown took advantage and made it a smart strategy to divide the Eastern region as the civil war loomed. This means selfishness and disrespect for the so-called minorities and greed for their oil cost Biafra its intended sedition or country.

Hello friends,
Thanks for your thoughtful responses. For those who think states can't be created you may be right per the current constitution if state's creation isn't expressly mentioned. It appears the constitution supports self-determination and Nigeria being signatory to multiple international instruments including the UN Universal Declaration though records show that the country abstained from voting in support of indigenous people's rights. Where the above is at variance then there's the constitutional amendment option as I mentioned in the piece. With constitutional amendment new states can be created as no law also says states can no longer be created. By right, or assuming civilians weren't too corrupt and criminal they would create states that can fend for themselves like Ogoni given its vast resources. All current 36 states were created by the military yet civilian regimes claim to hate the military, which is more organized and disciplined, less corrupt and can manage better insecurity including kidnappings and terrorism that weren't there during military rules?

The Nigerian government should stop pretending not to know what Ogonis want. It should create a state for the Ogoni people. The Ogoni have given so much in mineral resources and blood for the country’s good but got nothing back, not even respect except pollution, degradation and death. A state for Ogoni is the prerequisite for further oil production in the land.
If this state which the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) describes as political autonomy or internal self-determination like the current 36 states of the federation with about 26 created on ethnic prescriptions, is created the issues of political economy and development will be resolved.
In short, Ogoni, being an oil producing state, will directly benefit 13 percent from the derivation funds and more funds from abundant gas reserves. The Ogoni Bill of Rights which the government has is clear on “The Autonomy Option,” that arrangement by whatever name called that guarantees the control of Ogoni political, economic and sociocultural affairs by Ogonis.
Given Ogoni’s historical background and contribution to the development and growth of the country, she’s overqualified for a state. Population isn’t a core consideration even though the Ogoni population is about two million or more and all states or provinces aren’t equal in population, whether in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa or India not to mention America, etc. Nations with a population that’s less than one million also coexist with those that are one hundred million, and over one billion.
A state is about self-determination or the ability of the people to control and manage themselves with support from the central government when needed yet such a state also has a responsibility to contribute by paying taxes or otherwise to the central government. There are also states as common in Nigeria which may have five to ten or more million in population but were created with Ogoni, Ijaw and other Niger delta communities’ oil money. They’ve continued to depend on oil money for survival without which they may not survive for 12 months; and they also contribute little, or nothing yet are endowed with solid and liquid minerals which proceeds may not be paid to or taxed by the federal government.
Meanwhile, Ogoni demand for political autonomy that’s a state is synonymous with the self-determination experience in Nigeria as hinted above therefore not extraneous or a fancy demand that’s unheard of and unachievable. Why must Ogoni continue to be the golden eggs layer or goose but can’t benefit from its own eggs including a state to drive development home to the people who have given so much to Nigeria yet oppressed and marginalized by the federal and River State government?
This is unjust, unfair, inhumane, dehumanizing and criminal on the part of Nigeria. Ogonis therefore demand justice and equity. To achieve the needed peace and economic activities in Ogoni, Nigeria has no option but to do right by the Ogoni people beginning with state creation which constitutional amendment will make possible. Once this state is created other demands shall fall through.
Let’s look at the bigger picture here by applying strategic, long-term calculations that’s leadership and management wisdom. By this I mean, imagine the development, jobs that will be created in a new state for these cheated, oppressed and traumatized people. Imagine that nearly half if not more than half of the Niger delta problems would have been solved, and the state will work with the federal government, oil companies and other stakeholders to put in place safeguards to prevent oil spills, pollution and properly manage them when they occur, something Nigeria and Rivers State have proven incapable of doing alone, the same way it’s wallowed in a mono-economy---nearly total dependence on oil and nothing else despite huge population willing to create more if invested in.
Therefore, if the Nigerian government is serious and honest, realizing how dishonesty and disrespect, other shenanigans thwarted previous attempts to achieve peace and cooperation in Ogoni, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu should stop inviting Ogonis for talks about their demands and create a state for Ogoni---problem solved! He’d discontinue meetings such as the recent one held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, which had the Rivers State governor and minister of the federal capital territory in attendance making it a Rivers State meeting with Ogonis in attendance. Such meetings are largely about oil resumption and not the people’s interest and their demand for a state.
Ogonis can meet the Nigerian government or any other entity, properly represent their people and bring home a people-oriented investment, and development measures, if representatives are carefully chosen by the people. They don’t need the help of Rivers State government which is a prominent marginalization force against Ogoni.
It’s evident that the issue of Nigeria isn’t insufficient amount of oil pumped daily but grossly inept or incompetent rulership hence mismanagement, classic and organized theft of crude oil by people in high places according to reports and money remitted (and not remitted by NNPC for months) to the national and states’ treasuries. This implies that the production of oil in Ogoni will not end the above menace and dilemma rather it may exacerbate them as there would be more money in the federal coffers to steal or mismanage. Notwithstanding this reality, the Tinubu-led government may have genuine intentions to resolve the Ogoni conflict; increase oil output and invest to reduce the current hardship and hunger devastating the country.
Consequently, the reality of the country predicated on decades of mistakes by a dangerously selfish, greedy, incompetent political class and rulership that is grossly corrupt should guide Mr. Tinubu to prioritize openness and honesty in his planning. His deeds and communication with the Ogonis and officials of the federal government saddled with the responsibility of working with the Ogoni people should be humane. A quest for lasting peace should begin with lasting justice that is a state for Ogoni. Accountability is also important and must be taken seriously.
Lastly, Mr. Tinubu’s seeming disposition, particularly how he spoke well of his experience and relationship with some Ogonis during the pro-democracy struggle and expressing understanding of what happened to Ogonis, and how to honor Ogoni martyrs gives a glimpse of hope. The practical work guided by respect for the Ogonis is needed given the fact that the solution to the problem is before us courtesy the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
Below is the core demands stipulated in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR); and for the naysayers, I hope this will rest your misplaced angst as the bill does not and has not at any point included any demand for a country or independence of Ogoni from Nigeria:
(1) Political control of Ogoni affairs by Ogoni people.
(ii) The right to the control and use of a fair proportion of OGONI economic resources for Ogoni development; (iii) Adequate and direct representation as of right in all Nigerian national institutions; (iv) The use and development of Ogoni languages in all Nigerian territory; (v) The full development of Ogoni culture; (vi) The right to religious freedom; and (vii) The right to protect the OGONI environment and ecology from further degradation. We make the above demand in the knowledge that it does not deny any other ethnic group in the Nigerian Federation of their rights and that it can only conduce to peace, justice and fair-play and hence stability and progress in the Nigerian nation. We make the demand in the belief that, as Obafemi Awolowo has written: In a true federation, each ethnic group no matter how small, is entitled to the same treatment as any other ethnic group, no matter how large. We demand these rights as equal members of the Nigerian Federation who contribute and have contributed to the growth of the Federation and have a right to expect full returns from that Federation.

Ben Ikari is the author of Ken Saro-Wiwa and MOSOP: The Story and Revelations; The Squirrels and Lions: How Honest Communication Sealed Their Friendship, and Tortoise as the Smartest in Its Kingdom: Intervened During Hunger Crisis.
Benwulooikari@yahoo.com

Mr. Untold story,
You showed no proof for your post though reportedly copied. The truth be told, Ken Saro-Wiwa didn't betray any Igbo, not Ojukwu or any person of Igbo-Biafra and others conscripted into the failed republic which currently appear its agitators have yet to learn any lesson. They're making similar mistakes of disregard and lack of proper good will consultation for free will membership, their selfishness and greed, expansionism, which were recipes for failure in 1967.

The lesson to be learned is that you don't and can't force unwilling people into an uncircumcised union or marriage. A typical example of forced marriage is the imposed Nigerian contraption and the many agitations for freedom and self-determination, including Biafra's which breakaway agitation was fueled by the massacre of Igbos in the north, and in a large part by the presence of oil in the Niger delta which Ojukwu and his warlords and supporters dreamt to arrogate to themselves. They failed but still can't learn from the failure!

Of course, Saro-Wiwa knew many military rulers because he worked with them during and after the civil war to save, reorganize and liberate his people while enlightening others in Niger delta and Nigeria at large. He also knew the forces he and Ogonis were up against and didn't shy away from saying what dark days were ahead. He knew he will be killed but not how. I recalled being in meetings or rallies at Bori, Ogoni and other communities of Ogoni Kingdom where he's the chairman or something happening in his honor. He always told us, " I will not be here long with you. The forces we're fighting against for our rights are gigantic, and I am their target. But whether I live or die the struggle must continue and victory is certain."

Therefore, anyone claiming Saro-Wiwa begged for his life or scared didn't know what they're talking about. Assuming the writeup came from any genuine source or person who has a snippet of knowledge about what happened before Saro-Wiwa and 8 others were brutally, inhumanely and criminally hanged, such source or person would agree Saro-Wiwa wasn't cheap, nor feeble minded and feckless. He's an honest and bold, determined, courageous, calculative or strategic, and prolific individual.

I can only imagine or suspect that this writeup is the usual faceless and bad spirited propaganda by those who felt and still feels their ox were gored hence the failures of Biafra they wrongly attributed to Saro-Wiwa and other Ogonis, many leaders and people. Those who are in today's South-south (so-called South-east minorities then) and especially Saro-Wiwa are castigated, vilified for fighting to protect their identities and territorial integrity from a devouring Biafra. Consequently, such source or person would or should have known the person of Saro-Wiwa and his willingness and readiness to pay the ultimate sacrifice for his people and the Niger delta region, even Nigeria and Africa or globally creating such humongous environmental awareness, resource ownership and control that's a form of African sovereignty currently advocated and some countries already asserting.

Lastly, accounts from some who were in the prison as prisoners and officials had echoed how Saro-Wiwa was strong and highly spirited; how he's encouraging other Ogonis killed with him to stand tall and strong and be proud dying for a great cause. They told the story of how he's placed for execution five times and the system failed each time until the executioners decided to invite others, and he finally succumb as the last person having noticed that the others have been hanged.

Of course, the source or writer could have heard about the book: Africa Killed Her Sun. He knew his fate given his never seen bold actions therefore was killed, handed standing and didn't run away like Ojukwu even though he'd the opportunities to run while in prison. This is the fearless yet honest and courageous leader who didn't betray his people or any other person, group, entity or nation, he's. Nigeria, of course, betrayed him, and Ojukwu who couldn't reply any of his criticism and challenges of him while alive decided to act as a cheap and boneless stooge by accepting errand from Abacha and traveled to London in an attempt to justify his hanging. What Ojukwu couldn't do when Saro-Wiwa was alive he did when he's killed. That's the coward he's known to be, and what happened to him (Ojukwu) in London having been met with protest is a story for another day...

My brother, he's already the coordinator. My position is that he'd be granted the support and encouragement hence chance to deliver needed results. This, when compared to his predecessors, is based on his professional work, proven excellence, and his relationship with his mentor Comrade Patrick Naagbanton who was killed in a car hit or knock down in 2019. Dr. Zabbey took over subsequently as the coordinator at Environmental and Human Rights Development based in Port Harcourt. The organization did work that's acknowledged within civil society's circles globally. Naagbanton founded the organization. But long story short, I understand your point about whether someone else that isn't Ogoni or Niger deltan can't be giving the job instead of locals. We thought giving it to locals, Ogonis especially for Ogoni cleanup will make huge difference. We're mistaken. Those who had the job had no Ogoni or Niger delta and its environment at heart but acted like other suspected looters. If they're not looters they approved of the hindrance or loots by not letting the public know if they'd such issues. It's now obvious how Nigeria works. My original argument was that UNEP that conducted the assessment and produced the recommendations HYPREP uses should conduct the cleanup and restoration as well. Nigerian manipulators including the petroleum and environment ministries, NNPC and Shell, other polluters and beneficiaries of oil loots played it to become national as we see it for their manipulation and gains. All I feared is happening, but with Dr. Zabbey I'm having the current thought for him to be given a chance to perform. After this one and things aren't made right (of course we know the many interest and hindrances from government and other stakeholders) I will be against any other Ogoni person given this job. This should be enough to show what's true. Thanks!

One of the achievements of the just struggle of the Ogoni and Niger delta people championed by Ken Saro-Wiwia via the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) is the United Nations-led Environmental Assessment and Health Impact Studies. The assessment brought about a projected 30 year land and soil, groundwater remediation and restoration recommendations.

It also brought about community development and alternative sustainable livelihoods’ recommendations with one billion dollars initial deposit to be contributed by the polluters among them are Royal Dutch Shell Corporation/Shell Petroleum Development and Trading Company before the Netherlands broke away, and Nigerian government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The implementation of these recommendations was reported to be a near failure.

This is eleven years after the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) was established in 2012. It was to coordinate and deliver on the back of best practice that includes halting of all oil production in Ogoni and building an Integrated Contaminated Soil Management Center for best and sustained result.

One reason for above review is because HYPREP appeared to have been more actively conducting business on social media against practical actions and results. I have said it on several occasions that leadership, management is about getting things done for the people including environmental restoration and safety. If you fail to practically get things done as a leader or management then you are a failure. Unfortunately, independent reports have it that HYPREP had been like a secret cult where work locations and recorded data were barely open for public scrutiny in addition to many unqualified contractors. Reports also have it that about two hundred million dollars could not be accounted for. This implies there was no probity nor accountability.

Meanwhile, not only would this project managed by HYPREP cause the restoration of the environment and empower citizens through alternative sources of livelihoods if properly executed, it will also produce a one-of-a kind Center of Excellence. And this center will not only create jobs and train downtrodden Ogonis, other Niger deltans in environmental monitoring, remediation and restoration. The skills-set acquired shall be domesticated and nationalized, exported continentally and globally. The center will also serve as a learning and research, tourism experience for teachers or lecturers/professors, students, policymakers and other global citizens.

What a feat when completed, operational, competently and judiciously managed!

Although Ogonis have the right and reasons to be upset and not trust the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and its management including the Ministry of environment and Ministry of Petroleum given how the cleanup and emergency recommendations alongside alternative livelihoods have been mismanaged. They also have reasons to unite as one indivisible, formidable force and give Dr. Nenibarini Zabbey a chance. This committed friend of the environment and intellectual of limitless imagination deserves not only a chance from Ogonis but their encouragement and support.

The Nigerian government and other stakeholders also have good reasons to give Dr. Zabbey a chance, the needed encouragement and support to perform and deliver exceptional and real-time practical service, the much anticipated technical and community development which include capacity building.

Obviously, Dr. Zabbey is one additional benefit to the Ogoni cleanup and restoration. As mentioned he is a committed friend of the environment thus known for his work globally. He had worked and written, researched and campaigned tirelessly and demonstrated what is feasible and practical hence possible in terms of remediating and restoring the dying Niger delta ecosystem.

As he declared in one of his research work, “My current research focuses on bio-monitoring, estuarine trophic ecology, fish production function of mangroves, restoration of degraded mangrove habitat, ocean governance and integrated coastal management.”

And as the Nigerian Tribune reported on May 4, 2023: He is UNEP’s Senior National Expert on Mangrove Ecosystems (consultancy), and also serves on the management committee, the shoreline cleanup assessment technique team (SCAT), and technical working groups of the Bodo cleanup and restoration project, facilitated by the Bodo Mediation Initiative. He has conducted research focusing on biological monitoring, ecosystem services, plastic pollution, carbon stocks in mangroves, community science, and the restoration of degraded wetlands.

Because of his never ending research, work and focus, in 2022 he became the first African to receive the Ruth Patrick Award from the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography.

As conspicuously stated on The Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography website, “The 2022 Ruth Patrick Award will be presented to Dr. Nenibarini Zabbey, Professor of Hydrobiology in the Department of Fisheries at the University of Port Harcourt, for research and engagement with a critical impact on recovery of the Niger delta ecosystem from oil spills and environmental justice for impacted communities.”

Before now I have said that Ogonis will regret it, they will be very sorry if this well organized and fought struggle that brought the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) to Ogoni for environmental impact assessment and the Ogoni cleanup and HYPREP is mishandled, and the best is not achieved as the UNEP recommendations carefully laid out. If and when such strategically positioned job as HYPREP coordinator is handed to Ogoni experts and the result appeared stagnant or worse who else should do it right, “angels” or “God,” foreigners? What you read and hear about is corruption, lack of transparency, lack of best practice, and you wonder whether these Ogonis are in their right mind; whether they have their senses together or just do not get it and do not care but focused on fanfare and getting rich while the masses suffer and die?

An unhealthy and dangerous situation was where emergency measures clearly listed by the UNEP appeared not to have been taken seriously by the previous coordinators who are themselves Ogoni. If they were been hindered by members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) or the Ministry of Petroleum and the Minister of Environment they never complained to the public. If Shell officials and other officials of government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) hindered them yet they could not complain or explain the difficulties they may have faced to the public how would they be extricated from those hindering the project? Could it be that they valued their job and exaltation it brought than their own people and a dying environment that will benefit everyone if the recommendations are carefully and properly executed?

The good news is that given the historical background and pedigree of the current coordinator Dr. Zabbey who is also Ogoni but of a different breed, it is more than likely the result would be positive beyond words. This will be if he is allowed to bring his expertise to bear and not hindered or the system manipulated against him to bring about failure. He is a committed man of many achievements, and especially a man of practical and realizable vision who had consistently exemplified practical demonstration of community work that is environmentally and socioeconomically based.

Dr. Zabbey is a people person thus understands honest and strategic communication and relationship with his community, professional circles and more. Before he was bestowed this honor to pilot such critical and challenging task in a complex environment that is Nigeria, he was a professor at the University of Port Harcourt, Department of Fisheries. Evidently, he has done several academic research work, both individually and collaboratively.

He was also closely connected to and was a mentee of the multi-talented and indefatigable Comrade Patrick Naagbanton (late), who was one of the best Ogoni and the human rights and environmental justice community has had. Mr. Naagbanton was a risk-taker; the founder and coordinator of the Center for Environmental and Human Rights Development (CEHRD). And Dr. Zabbey subsequently took over the center as coordinator after his mentor died having been hit by a car in 2019.

Ogonis and the Nigerian government, every interested parties should therefore grant him a chance; and the encouragement and support to perform and deliver on his mandate. He must not be undermined. Where there is or could be hindrance from the Nigerian government particularly the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Petroleum, Shell Oil and others not limited to politicians and traditional rulers he should not hesitation to notify Ogonis and the general public. Open and honest, accurate and timely communication is very important for success in such environment and project.


By Ben Ikari, Human Rights and Environmental Justice Advocate; Author of Ken Saro-Wiwa and MOSOP: The Story and Revelation; and The Squirrels and Lions: How Honest Communication Sealed Their Friendship

The above title was printed November 19, 2020 in Premium Times Online. It is about the Deputy President of Nigerian Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege. He was reported to have said the long pending Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) should be passed quickly so that Nigeria can make the best of its crude oil before it dries out in about 40 years when experts predicted oil will dry off. He said the Federal government should clear whatever issues holding the bill so it can extract more oil, an act that will cause more suppression and pollution, poverty, neglect and deaths in the South-south geopolitical region of the country.

It has been about 64 years since oil was discovered in Oloibiri, BAYELSA State and Ogoni, Rivers State (1956 and '58 respectively) alongside others that came later. The country has abused, misused the oil and gas resources, and largely cheated, oppressed and killed the owners. So another 40 years left will not stop the institutionalized greed and theft corruption, criminality and violence against the oil owners and oppressed, poor Nigerians in general, by politicians and rulers, their corporate partners.

Sixty years after independence the country has no stable electricity, no clean tap water supply, good roads. No functional hospitals and colleges, universities among other basic community and social, educational amenities. Unemployment is skyrocketing, and the country is rated the world's poverty capital. Kidnapping and fraudulent activities not limited to official and cyber fraud, other forms of criminality, politically motivated and cult-based violence have become the hallmark of Nigeria. In short human rights including freedom of speech, expression and of the press are consistently trampled. Citizens cannot peacefully protest and register petition against government and its agencies---officials, representatives and the president and presidency, members of the state and national assembly. Insecurity is palpable likewise death.

Let me therefore repeat what I have said on other occasions. There is no entity called Nigeria that has oil. Precolonial ethnic nations forced against their wish by devilish and rogue British colonialists owns oil and gas in their respective territorial lands. The oil and gas owners are located in South-south geopolitical region which some also called Niger delta. They are like the people of Zamfara in the North (Hausa-Fulanis) who have gold and are allowed to extract and

control their resources by the Hausa-Fulani controlled oppressor and bloodsucker called federal government. And there are enough laws on the books which should be repealed, Land Used Act, for example, because they were deliberately enacted by these three groups which claim to be majority (ZOWABIANS or H-F-Y-I) as a means to cheat, oppress the oil and gas owners while polluting and killing them in poverty. These groups also unjustifiably allocated to themselves about 23 out of 36 states, and more than 90 percent of the 23 states depend solely on sharing oil money every month, without which they cannot survive a month more. Why create them if they cannot be creative to fund themselves yet they have one type of natural resources or another? The answer is to oppress and cheat the oil owners. These states are super corruption conduit. Therefore passing this so-called PIB is not what the oil owners desire. They desire and demand a national conversation that will bring about honest structural restructuring into regional system or any other measure that will allow equal respect for citizens and ethnic groups; equal representation and resource control while each component group pay taxes or contribute to the center.

PIB is another way to further steal this oil and gas resources (despite some crumbs for the oil owners) , which blocs are shared largely among Hausa-Fulani oligarchs, some Yoruba and Igbos who sit in their houses without knowing where their so-called oil blocs are located but making millions and billions of dollars. This is absolute injustice and must be stop---the South-south people must stop their personal greed and division and come together to demand their birthright or take it by any means necessary should the criminals resist further; they must stop accepting amnesty and other forms of bribes, betraying, even presidency that could not change their pitiable conditions.

The so-called political rulers/gladiators in particular who perform only for their stomach leaving the masses to suffer and die in poverty must change and join hands. They must join forces with the masses for the greater good. After-all Coronavirus has shown that the money they have been amassing or stealing is nothing but vanity as life and existence is beyond their control. Power is temporary so vapor-like. If in doubt they can ask Donald J. Trump who is battling to steal a conclusive election realizing his unmerited power has faded away. He will become ordinary corrupt man facing numerous legal challenges including possible criminal liabilities from campaign finance violation, tax and insurance fraud investigation in New York, and jail time. But the most corrupt Nigerian rulers and politicians, their private sector friends will have to be thankful because the legal system is under their feet thus they are insulated to commit more crimes.


Thanks for reading and standing for truth, equality; acting for the greater good!

Sincerely,
Ben Ikari