Emmanuel OchayiThe Centre for Democracy, Human Rights, and Anti-Corruption (CDHRAC) and the National Union of Ogoni Students (NUOS) International USA, both US-based Ogoni advocacy groups, have voiced strong opposition to Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC) proposed divestment plans, specifically in Ogoniland.
Expressing their concerns, the coalition, led by Mr. Cornelius Dumerene and Mr. Pius Nwinee, emphasized the necessity of a referendum among Ogoni people to decide the fate of oil production in Ogoniland.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking through a statement, they stressed that the resumption of oil activities in Ogoni requires active participation of the community.
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“If oil production is to resume in Ogoni, there should be a referendum of Ogoni people that will sit down on a roundtable to discuss and decide the future of Ogoniland,” stated the coalition.
They underscored the need to address longstanding issues, including the 1993 oil production stoppage, the crisis leading to the tragic killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, and the recommendations of the 2011 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the Ogoni cleanup.
Moreover, the group denounced Shell’s attempt to sell its onshore facilities in Nigeria, particularly OML 11, asserting that Shell no longer has the right to negotiate the sale, having been ousted from Ogoni for over three decades. They called on the Federal Government to reject Shell’s divestment without addressing associated liability issues.
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This stance adds a new dimension to the ongoing discourse around Shell’s divestment plans, emphasizing the imperative of justice, community participation, and addressing historical grievances before any potential oil resumption in Ogoniland.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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