The umbrella body of the Ogoni people KAGOTE has called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report on Ogoniland.
In a Press release signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Livinus Kiebel, KAGOTE said that presently, Ogoni people are drinking poisoned surface and ground waters and as if that was not sufficient danger to their health, the air they breathe contains unacceptable levels of toxins inimical to their continuous existence.
“This situation is totally unacceptable as it undermines the political and socio-economic contributions of the Ogonis to the making of a modem Nigeria. We insist that our wealth should not be our death and our blessing should not become a curse” the body declared.
KAGOTE also expressed deep concern over the crisis in Sogbo and Kor in the Khana Local Government Area as well as Devor and Deken in the Gokana axis of Ogoniland.
According to the release, “the misfortunes arising from these flashpoints which have led to the loss of lives and property have generally retarded our vision for growth and development consequently deepening the poverty level of Ogoni people”.
The body then called on the Council Chairmen of the affected Local Government Areas in question to collaborate with other relevant organs in the Nationality to ensure total peace returns to the areas.
The body is also worried about the consequences of the moral decadence, social malaise and poor attitude which have visibly weakened the productive capacity of Ogoni youths. This pervading development KAGOTE insists is alien to the Ogoni culture which upholds dignity, respect for elders, honour and integrity, stressing that time has come for spiritual cleansing and attitudinal re-orientation of the people.
The body then called on all Ogonis both at home and abroad, irrespective of their political persuasions, to come together and work towards peace and development of Ogoni nationality.###
Source: National Network Newspaper
