Ogoni Day 2013: “Ogoni Struggle: No Retreat No Surrender

On a serious note, the umbrella body of all Ogoni professionals in the United States seize(s) this special opportunity today to remind the Nigerian government, especially the leadership of the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives that a practical way of  resolving the lingering Ogoni crisis is for the National Assembly to create a Bori State in the ongoing Constitutional Amendment Exercise. The proposed Bori State will be economically viable, based on the enormous natural and human resources embedded in the area and will not constitute a liability on the coffers of the Federal Government as it is in the case of many states in the federation now.

Finally, COP International,  USA strongly advises the management of Shell Petroleum  Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and Shell International that instead of taking provocative steps that will exacerbate the already tensed relationship between the company and the Ogoni people, that the company should reach-out to the true leadership of MOSOP and the Ogoni people and initiate steps to address the various demands contained in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR). So far, the company has not addressed any of the demands in the OBR and without addressing these demands, there is no way the company can resume operations in our land.  It is on that special note that we reiterate that Shell remains “persona non-grata” in Ogoniland.

…Urges Ogonis To Unite …Applauds Peaceful Ogoni  Day Celebration

The Rivers State Chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria has urged the people of Ogoni to put the past behind them and look forward with hope, optimism and renewed faith in themselves and Ogoniland in 2013 and beyond. The Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Jerry Needam, made the call in the party’s solidarity message to mark  the 2013, 20th Edition of the Ogoni Day. Jerry Needam said past challenges of the Ogoni people should strengthen them to resolve to unite and live together in peace. The ACN, according to Jerry Needam is optimistic that the Ogonis would be better in 2013 and beyond, urging the people to contribute to the development of the area. Jerry Needam congratulated the Ogoni people for 20 years of peaceful struggle for the betterment of the people and the area. He pledged the commitment of the ACN to partnering with the Ogoni to improving the lives and conditions of the Ogoni People.

Source: National Network