Ogonis Say Time Is Running Out For Non-Cooperative Politicians
Ogonis say time is running out for non-cooperative and deceptive politicians, and that they are poised to enforce their
self government.
The delay in the take off of the Ogoni self government, which was declared on August 2, 2012, is beginning to stir up
the Ogoni people. In a surprise protest, Ogoni elected representatives and councilors drawn from 33 districts and 272
village councils under their self government today protested in Bori, the ancient and modern capital of Ogoni in
southern Nigeria.
The protest, which ended with a rally at the Khana Local Government Council headquarters, sought explanation from the
local government boss for his lack of transparency essential for a peaceful transition. The protest came on the heels of
a report by the self government Transition Committee, which lavished praise on some politicians, but suggested that
others repeatedly scheduled several meetings at which they didn’t show up, thus delaying the report of the Transition
Committee. There is growing restiveness in Ogoniland after nearly 10 weeks of behind the scene meetings and backstabbing
that has created an uncertain political landscape. MOSOP – the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People had set up
OCIA – the Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority to enforce the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples that was adopted in New York on September 13, 2007.
Addressing the protesters on behalf of the Khana Local Government Chairman, Mr. Greg Barile Nwiadam, the Chief Whip of
the Khana legislative house, Mr. Neeka Idemyor representing Khalga Ward 10 said that the chairman was “very much ready
to dialogue with OCIA”, but the protesters said that he can’t be trusted to keep his words. The Protest was to put the
Ogoni politicians on notice that the Ogoni people will no longer recognize them and that they want their authentic
representatives to begin the business of the Ogoni people.
Speaking on behalf of the representatives, Hon. Dum Ade John Budam, who is also the Secretary General of MOSOP said that
the protest was to honor the Ogoni tradition of nonviolence.
Budam said the MOSOP President/Spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo has just received the Report of the Transition Committee
and was studying it. He hinted that the National Executive Council of MOSOP will meet to review the report and
thereafter summon a General Assembly of the Ogoni people to signal a final phase of action planned to enforce the
declaration. Budam appealed to the Ogoni people to remain peaceful and law abiding, reassuring that the Ogoni people
will not retreat.
On August 2, 2012, the President /Spokesman of the Ogoni People, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo had declared a self government on
behalf of the Ogoni people with the aim to enforcing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted in 2007 in New York entitles all indigenous
peoples of the world, who so desire to exercise their right to political autonomy or self determination.
Tambari Deekor
Associate Editor, MOSOP Media
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ENDS