3 months ago
5
The Greater Ogoni in Diaspora Organisation has asked the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to explain the circumstances behind the alleged diversion of a $300 million released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited for oil-impacted communities in Ogoniland.
In an open letter, a copy of which was made available to South-South PUNCH, GODO said that it was expressing its deep concern and demanded an explanation regarding the alleged diversion of the $300 million released by NNPCL for the development of oil-impacted communities in Ogoni during Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State.
In the letter, dated August 6, titled ‘Re: Demand for Explanation on Alleged Diversion of $300m Released by NNPCL for Oil-Impacted Communities in Ogoni,’ and signed by Chief Ambrose Kii in its behalf, GODO stayed, “This allegation has been brought to our attention, and we expect a comprehensive response from you within 21 days.”
Insisting that the Ogoni people had suffered tremendously due to environmental degradation, genocide, neglect, and marginalization, GODO said, “The release of funds by NNPCL was a welcome development, intended to address an aspect of the developmental needs of our community. However, the alleged diversion of these funds is unacceptable and has further exacerbated the suffering of our people, reminding us about the worst experiences of the government.
“We remain deeply scarred and are still grappling with the sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, and many other Ogonis, who fought tirelessly for environmental justice.
“The fact that another injustice has been perpetrated against us is a bitter pill to swallow. We can’t help but ask: how long will we continue to suffer at the hands of Nigerian governments? The memory of our heroes and heroines cannot be allowed to fade in vain.
The alleged theft of funds meant to address the very issues they fought for is a betrayal of their legacy and a slap in the face of their sacrifices.”
Insisting that the struggles and sacrifices of Ogoni heroes paved the way for the release of these funds, GODO lamented, “It is an insult to their memory and a slap in the face of the Ogoni people for these funds to be allegedly diverted. We will not stand idly by while the sacrifices of our people are disrespected in this manner.
“We have heard from those alleging the diversion of funds, and we must hear from you. Your silence on this matter will be deemed as acceptance of the allegations, and we will be forced to take further action.
Areas where GODO said expected detailed explanation from the minister include: confirmation or otherwise of the receipt of the $300 million by the Rivers State government; a breakdown of how the funds were utilized; evidence of projects executed with the funds; and names of contractors and companies involved in the projects, if any.
The letter further stated, “Failure to address the Ogoni people and provide satisfactory explanation within the stipulated timeframe will leave us with no choice but to take the following actions: drag you to court to seek justice and accountability; report the matter to anti-graft agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for investigation and prosecution; petition various embassies and international organizations, including the United Nations, to highlight the plight of the Ogoni people and the alleged misuse of funds meant for their development; and mobilize the Ogoni people and other stakeholders to demand justice and accountability.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that any kobo released for the development of our community will not be diverted by any individual or group and go scot-free. We will not stand idly by while our community’s resources are plundered and misused. We will fight lawfully and tirelessly, using every avenue available to us, to ensure that justice is served and the Ogoni people receive the resources they rightfully deserve. We will mobilize our people, engage with stakeholders, and collaborate with anti-corruption agencies to prevent any diversion or misappropriation of funds. We will also utilize legal and diplomatic channels to seek redress and compensation for any diverted funds. Our community has suffered for too long, and we will not allow any further betrayal of our trust. We demand transparency, accountability, and justice, and we will not rest until these demands are met.”
It insisted that the memory of Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni martyrs demands justice, adding, “We will not rest until justice is served.”
English (US) ·