Mkpoikana Udoma
25 June 2018, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — The Ken-Khana and Nyo-Khana kingdoms in Ogoni have pledged to cooperate with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, in the clean-up process in Ogoniland.
The Gbenemene of Ken-Khana Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Melford Eguru, made the pledged while HYPREP officials were being showed land donated by the two communities to the agency to facilitate the clean-up.
King Eguru, represented by the Menebua of Kenwigbara, His Royal Majesty Barile Deebom, said the scope of the land donated by the kingdom was unlimited, as the land was big enough to accommodate whatever project that would be sited on it by HYPREP.
He also urged the Federal Government to recognised traditional rulers in the cleanup process, explaining that monarchs were responsible for the maintenance of peace in the communities.
“It is our joy that you are here. Ken-khana championed the Ogoni struggle. Every effort that led to the struggle started from here through Ken Saro-Wiwa.
“We will support you so that we will not lose everything. We have lost many of our sons, including Ken. The majesty and this kingdom will give every support that you will need as long as you will follow the right step.
“The land is big enough to accommodate any magnitude of project you want to do. You know we have been agitating for the restoration of our land and our livelihoods,” the monarch said.
On his part, the Gbenemene of Nyo-Khana Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Suanu Baridam, pledged that his kingdom will cooperate with the Federal Government on the Ogoni cleanup.
King Baridam, however, warned that the Ogoni cleanup exercise should not be used as a political tool by politicians.
Responding, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Dekil, pledged to carry everyone along in the cleanup process and said plans were underway for the livelihood restoration programme to commence.
Represented by HYPREP’s Head of Communication, Mr. Isa Wassa, Dekil commended the traditional rulers of Nyo-Khana and Ken-Khana for the land donated to HYPREP while urging other communities in Ogoni to follow suit, in other to fast-track the process.
