Mkpoikana Udoma 15 June 2017, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt – The Ogoni under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, has expressed deep concerned over the slow process of the implementation Ogoni clean up describing it as “immorally too slow.”
This was made know by the President of MOSOP, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, when the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, paid a visit to some crude oil impacted sites in Ogoniland.
Pyagbara urged the United States Government to prevail on the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, as well as the Nigerian government to provide adequate funding for the speedy commencement of clean up.
He also said that what they people of Ogoni had envisaged as a speedy cleanup and remediation process is now being steeped in so much bureaucracy and poor funding.
“Your excellency, it is almost a year now since the flag-off ceremony for the implementation of the UNEP Report and the clean up of Ogoniland took place.
“Whilst we appreciate that the Federal Government had taken steps to put some structures in place particular governance frameworks, we are deeply concerned that the process had been immorally too slow.
“The emergency measures on water and health that needed to be addressed immediately is not yet on ground.
“We appeal to you to use your good officers to call on the joint venture partners led by SPDC and the Nigerian government to provide adequate funding for this project to take off effectively.”
The MOSOP leader also called for a sustainable development for the Ogoni people in order to ensure a successful clean up.
“As you are aware, without addressing the issue of poverty, the move to stop environmental degradation will also not be effective and successful. In order to ensure a successful clean up programmed we will be appealing for a concomitant economic rejuvation programme for our people.
“MOSOP would deeply appreciate if your excellency can commit your government to providing support for a sustainable livelihood recovery programme particular for our women and youths.”
Also speaking, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, advocated for empowerment of the people in order to be a part of the solution to the compounding issues.
“We are here to learn about your country and to hear directly from people in different places of this wonderful land, and I have learnt alot.
“The most important thing I have learnt is that as we clean up the polluted sites which the government is working to do with the people of this place, it is important to lift up the people themselves, so that they can be part of the solution, because that will bring a lasting security and prosperity that will truly make a difference.”