MOSOP Calls on Nigeria to Emulate US Government on Pollution
As efforts are made to resolve the BP oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, the apex organization of the Ogoni people, MOSOP, has called on Nigeria’s Federal Government and its counterparts at the other tiers to emulate the commendable and people friendly position taken on the disaster by the United States Government to protect and defend public good.
Press Release
June 22, 2010
The American example showed clearly how responsible countries treat citizens and respond to corporate recklessness and intimidation. President Barrack Obama besides ensuring prompt remedial payments by BP to cushion the impact of the disaster on those affected even when comprehensive assessment has not been conducted demonstrated robust commitment to safeguarding and securing the interests of his people pursuant to his oath office. Apart from expressed strong insistence on accountability of BP and payment of adequate compensation to the people and emplacing measures to actualize these positions, the Nobel Laureate has personally and severally visited the spill sites and consulted relevant stakeholders. This is an approach yet to be experienced in the oil and gas industry, Government and community relationship in Nigeria.
However, the Nigerian authorities could generate a new sense of belonging and confidence in the communities through learning from the US government’s example and reform its attitude and practice of connecting with the governed. What we have painfully observed over the years from successive Nigerian administrations has been a callous regime of protecting and defending the interests of the transnational oil corporations and undermining that of her citizens with impunity. These have not only been expressed in questionable legislations and policies relating thereto but also practical handling of situations of environmental pollution and local agitations.
There have been numerous internationally known cases of extractive disasters in Ogoni and other territories of the Niger Delta including oil spills resulting from failed equipment of the oil companies, which, Government, rather than stand by the affected communities had not only left them to their fate but had deviously colluded with the firms to inflict and worsen their woes. A case in point is the April 2009 manifold fire and spillage in Kegbara Dere, Ogoni, confirmed to have been caused by the failure of Shell’s field facility. Situations also abound where government had ordered armed soldiers and para-military personnel to murderously quell peaceful protests against the ecological war waged by the oil moguls in the Delta region. One recent example is the Baranyonwa Dere incident where soldiers acting as security shield to Shell officials opened fire on the people killing Mr. Bari-ara Vurasi Lemon in April 2010.
Similarly, there are honest concerns and bitterness declared by the people against Government and the oil companies regarding the denial of their right to adequate compensation and standard repair of our environment. Whilst the US Government insist on adequate compensation for communities involved in the BP saga and proper clean up of the mess, our government compromises and appear comfortable with the ancient and ridiculous rates imposed on rural communities by the oil corporations when dealing with surface right issues, as well as lacked the
will to enforce repair and protection of the environment by the oil industry. The rates, which in no way reflect market value, have been unable to meet the primary aim of adequate compensation and remain a sore point in the Ogoni campaign for justice.
It is regrettable therefore that whilst the US Government demonstrate support for its people and weighed heavily on BP, our own government always look the other way or connive with the oil companies to undo oil bearing areas. President Obama has set the standard and it would only be reasonable for the government to adopt it. Only an uncaring administration would ignore the US Government’s example instead of drawing on it. The people are watching if this would occasion change on the part of our national, state and local governments.
The American example showed clearly how responsible countries treat citizens and respond to corporate recklessness and intimidation. President Barrack Obama besides ensuring prompt remedial payments by BP to cushion the impact of the disaster on those affected even when comprehensive assessment has not been conducted demonstrated robust commitment to safeguarding and securing the interests of his people pursuant to his oath office. Apart from expressed strong insistence on accountability of BP and payment of adequate compensation to the people and emplacing measures to actualize these positions, the Nobel Laureate has personally and severally visited the spill sites and consulted relevant stakeholders. This is an approach yet to be experienced in the oil and gas industry, Government and community relationship in Nigeria.
However, the Nigerian authorities could generate a new sense of belonging and confidence in the communities through learning from the US government’s example and reform its attitude and practice of connecting with the governed. What we have painfully observed over the years from successive Nigerian administrations has been a callous regime of protecting and defending the interests of the transnational oil corporations and undermining that of her citizens with impunity. These have not only been expressed in questionable legislations and policies relating thereto but also practical handling of situations of environmental pollution and local agitations.
There have been numerous internationally known cases of extractive disasters in Ogoni and other territories of the Niger Delta including oil spills resulting from failed equipment of the oil companies, which, Government, rather than stand by the affected communities had not only left them to their fate but had deviously colluded with the firms to inflict and worsen their woes. A case in point is the April 2009 manifold fire and spillage in Kegbara Dere, Ogoni, confirmed to have been caused by the failure of Shell’s field facility. Situations also abound where government had ordered armed soldiers and para-military personnel to murderously quell peaceful protests against the ecological war waged by the oil moguls in the Delta region. One recent example is the Baranyonwa Dere incident where soldiers acting as security shield to Shell officials opened fire on the people killing Mr. Bari-ara Vurasi Lemon in April 2010.
Similarly, there are honest concerns and bitterness declared by the people against Government and the oil companies regarding the denial of their right to adequate compensation and standard repair of our environment. Whilst the US Government insist on adequate compensation for communities involved in the BP saga and proper clean up of the mess, our government compromises and appear comfortable with the ancient and ridiculous rates imposed on rural communities by the oil corporations when dealing with surface right issues, as well as lacked the
will to enforce repair and protection of the environment by the oil industry. The rates, which in no way reflect market value, have been unable to meet the primary aim of adequate compensation and remain a sore point in the Ogoni campaign for justice.
It is regrettable therefore that whilst the US Government demonstrate support for its people and weighed heavily on BP, our own government always look the other way or connive with the oil companies to undo oil bearing areas. President Obama has set the standard and it would only be reasonable for the government to adopt it. Only an uncaring administration would ignore the US Government’s example instead of drawing on it. The people are watching if this would occasion change on the part of our national, state and local governments.
Signed:
Bari-ara Kpalap
Information Officer, MOSOP
08068228065
Bari-ara Kpalap
Information Officer, MOSOP
08068228065
To see the original Press Release please click here.
